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MY 


OFFICIAL 

HUSBAND. 


A Novel of TO’-Day. 


By MRS. J. REICHHARD, 

Author of “A Woman’s Revenge,” “Mr. Clifton of Barrington,” Etc. 


New York : 

J. S. OGILVIE, PUBLISHER, 
57 Rose Street, 


oooooooooooooooooooooooooc 


o o o o o o 


oooooocoooooooooooo 


TWENTY-FIVE 
‘ - - SERMONS 

03>T 

The Holy Land. 

B-sr 

Rev, T. De Witt Talmage^ D.D. 


No Series of Sermons ever delivered b 3 ^ this 
famous pr“ache nas created such a widespread and 
intense interest as this. These 'Sermons describe with 
vivid interest the scenes, incidents and man^^ various 
experiences met with in the Holy Land, the land in 
which people are ’ ow more interested than ever 
before. 

Aim ‘ig’ the l udreds of th jus.Mids )f people who 
have read the utterances of this A onderfull^^ success- 
ful preacher there are n ;e but will be glad to have 
this book. Read t ' > ' 

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

1. Eve of Departure— 2. I Must also See Rome — 3 A Med- 
iterranean Voyage— 4. Paul’s Mission in Athens — 5. Life and 
Death of Dorcas— 6. The Glory of Solomon’s Reign — 7. Peace, 
Be Still — 8. The Marriage Feast — 9c Christmas Eve in the Holy 
Land — 10. The Joyful Surprise— 11. How a King’s Life was 
Saved — 12. The Philippian Earthquake — 13. What is in a Name? 
— 14. The Half was not Told Me. — 15. I Went Up to Jerusalem. 
— 16. On the Housetop in Jerusalem — 17. The Journey to Jeri- 
cho — 18. He Toucheth the Hills and They Smoke — 19. Solomon 
in all His Glory — 20. The Journey to Bethel — 21. Incidents m 
Palestine — 22. Among the Holy Hills.— 23. Our Sail on Lake 
Galilee — 24. On to Damascus — 25. Across Mount Lebanon. 

It contains 320 pages in paper cover, and will be 
sent by mail, postpaid, to any address on receipt of 25 
cents. Bound in Cloth, $1.50; Half Russia, $2.00. 
Agents wanted. Address all orders to 

J. S. OGILVIE, Publisher, 

57 Rose Street, New York. 


MY OFFICIAL 

OR THE 



MYSTERY OF HILLIARD HALL. 


By MRS. J. F. REICHHARD, 

Author of ** A Womans Revenge f ''Mr. Clifton of Barrington,' 

Etc., Etc. 


' 'J » / 

THE SUNNYSIDE SERIES, No. 71. Issued Monthly. March, 1893. 83.00 per year. Entered 
at New York Post-Oflflce as second-class matter. Copyright 1893 by J. S. OgiMe. 


NEW YORK : 

J. S. OGILVIE, PUBLISHER, 

57 Rose Street. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


CHAPTER I. 

“ Please take a seat, Ryle, I wish to talk with 
yon, that is why I sent for you,” said Ryle Hilliard’s 
father, as that young man entered his father’s 
library. 

“ Thank you, father, I would rather stand. I 
shall be off directly to the woods ; I rather antich 
pate some good sport to-day.” 

Be seated, Ryle,” exclaimed Mr. Randle Hil- 
liard, gravely. I have much to say to you ; and 
confess, when last night I expressed a wish to con- 
fer with you upon a matter of some importance, I 
did not expect you would enter my presence in such 
a state as this. It is conduct which might be antici- 
pated from the ill-bred son of a vulgar farmer, but 
emanating from a gentleman’s son ” 

Spare me, father, I mean no disrespect ! but let 
me away to the woods ; Jasper Letton is waiting 
for me.” 

It is of Jasper Letton I would speak,” exclaimed 


4 


MT OpnclAL MXISBjlND. 


Mr. Hilliard sternly, and added : Be seated, for I 
repeat to you that it is on a matter of importance 
that I would address you. Kyle, it is not to see 
Jasper, or to kill birds, that you wander so fre- 
quently in the woods.” 

“ Perhaps, father, you will honor me so far as to 
tell me with what other object I stroll in the woods, 
and further, if the sport be not my purpose, why I 
masquerade in this fashion ? ” He pointed to his 
shooting dress as he spoke. 

“ I will inform you, Kyle, for I am in possession 
of your secret.” 

“ My secret ! Keally, there is a jest somewhere, 
and I am dull enough not to see it.” 

“I will enlighten you. Jasper Letton, my super- 
intendent — superintendent of my estate — has a 
daughter.” 

“Well, father.” 

“ Pretty, attractive, alluring, and artful no doubt.” 

“ Father — my father ! he would need have a care 
for his life who, without your immunity from my 
wrath, should utter such words in my hearing, 
against one who deserves no such imputation.” 

“ You are warm, young man.” 

“ Hot one moment too soon, when called upon to 
defend the character of one dear to me, from base 
imputations.” 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND, 


b 


“ Dear to you ? ” shouted the old man in a voice 
thunder. 

“ Dear to me ! ” repeated Kyle, and added pas- 
sionately, “ Are those not words of propriety ? 
Does my honorable position as a wealthy gentle- 
man’s son and one of society’s lights require that I 
should belie myself? Am I, in order to be the wor- 
thy son of one of the leaders of society’s ^ Four 
Hundred,’ to become a thing I now scorn ? ” 

“ Ryle Hilliard,” cried the old man, rising in a fury, 
“ you insult — you outrage me ! How dare you ad- 
dress me — your — father thus ? ” 

“ I beg your pardon,” said Ryle coldly, but sarcas- 
tically — I thought it was to society’s victim who 
was addressing me and not my father. I beg of 
you to believe, that it was not a parent, that I re- 
sponded to with such heat.” 

The old man paced the room several times, in a 
state of perturbation almost painful to witness; 
then he seated himself in his chair, and buried his 
face in his hands. After a minute’s silence, during 
which it was the impulse of Ryle to throw himself 
at his feet and crave pardon for having pained him 
— Mr. Hilliard, before he could give way to the 
promptings of his heart, looked up and said : 

“ Ryle, as I feared, this intimacy with Jasper’s 
daughter has grown to be a grave difficulty. Now 


6 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


Kyle Hilliard, my superintendent Letton is an old 
and faithful servant of our house; he must not, 
shall not be wronged ! ” 

“ AV^ronged, my father ! By whom ? ’’ cried Kyle. 

“ By you, Kyle Hilliard.” 

“ By me ? I do not understand you ! ” 

‘‘ Shall I explain ? ” 

“ 1 pray you to do so.” 

‘‘Kyle, you are constantly in companionship with 
Letton’s daughter. You visit her beneath her 
father’s roof. You wander in lone places with her, 
unknown to her father. You are, or fancy you are, 
in love with her.” 

“ Father, some sneaking, prying, tale-bearing 
whelp has brought this tale to you ; and, as you 
were not indisposed to listen to a communication 
from such a source, you will hardly be so unjust to 
me, at least his superior, as not to convey to him an 
intimation from me to keep a wide berth of me ” 

“ Are you prepared, Kyle, to say this tale is not 
true?” 

“AYell, and if it be true, what then?” 

“What then? AA'hat is this mad fancy, this in- 
sane passion, to come to ? Do you seek to dishonor 
the girl ? ” 

“Dishonor her!” he cried hoarsely. “ Is it the 
custom for those who support the dignity of society 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


to do these things? If not, I demand of you, 
father, what act of mine, during my life, has given 
you the title to indulge in such a base and un- 
founded surmise? ” 

“JS'ot by your acts do I judge, but the bitter 
experience of a world, of which Kyle, as yet you 
know, it seems but little. You confess that you 
love the girl — granted. Is it your intention to 
make the girl your wife ? Has it crossed your mind 
that your father might object to have for a daughter- 
in-law, the child of his se rvant ? That Clare and 
Daisy might not feel at home with a sister of so 
very humble an origin? Your brother, too, might 
probably imagine, that as the representative of a 
house so honorable and so wealthy as that of Hil- 
liard, it would be your. duty to form no mesalliance. 
Has aught of this occurred to you ? ’’ 

AYith a gloomy brow, Kyle remained silent. Hone 
of this had crossed him. Then, in his mind’s vision, 
he saw the soft, lovely face of Eva. 

Well,” continued the old man as he perceived that 
his words had made some impression, consider that 
such a union is impossible. What but ruin must ensue 
to the poor girl, if you continue your visits and your 

attentions to her ” 

“ Father — father ! ” cried Kyle impetuously. 

“ I gave you credit, Kyle, for being actuated by 


8 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


the most honorable feelings. Will the villagers do 
so ? — will the girl’s father do so ? What will the girl 
herself think ? Are you to have no consideration 
for her feelings ? Are you to win her love — gain 
possession of her heart and confidence — and then 
turn her aside as you would a toy of which you 
were tired ? ” 

‘‘ I^ever, so help me Heaven ! ” exclaimed Eyle. 
Then standing up, and looking his father in the eyes, 
he said, “You have held up in terror em the position 
of yourself, my sisters, and Landon, to compel me 
to sunder myself from Eva. How, father, answer 
me one question, and though I break my heart, and 
sacrifice my future happiness, if you do so in a man- 
ner to square with all the rest, I will act as it seems 
is expected of me.” 

“ AVhat is your question, boy ? ” 

“ My mother, father; why is she not at our home 
to counsel my sisters and guide me ? ” 

“ Mention not her name ! ” shrieked the father in 
a paroxysm of fury. “ Furies ! death ! torture ! 
Wretch, mention her not ! mention her not 1 ” 

He continued howling until he fell into a chair 
exhausted. Eyle, utterly astounded, retired to his 
room, and locking himself in, tried to bring his 
mind out of its excitement down to calm reason 
on his present position. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


9 


CHAPTER II. 

Letton Cottage was situated upon a hillside, not 
far from the woods. It possessed a garden at both 
back and front, and both were well filled with 
flowers. The only resident of the cottage was Jas- 
per Letton and his daughter, Eva. An elderly 
woman, from a farm at no great disl:ance, came 
daily to the cottage. Jasper, for some reasons 
which he never hinted, would not permit Eva to 
do any menial work whatever ; and under the same 
influence, he had placed her for some years at an 
excellent establishment for young ladies, where she 
had received an education much above her station. 
It was this which gave her so much elegance and 
refinement of manner, and caused the humble 
dwelling and its fitting appointments to serve as a foil 
to her. It was this which added to the remarkable 
loveliness of her features and beautifully modeled 
form, so powerfully impressed and influenced Ryle. 

He however determined not to resign Eva ; he felt 
that he was equal to the sacrifice, and if his father, 
his sisters, and Landon refused to receive her, they 


10 


3fY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


should not have the chance of receiving him. It was 
the next day he slipped off to the cottage, purposing 
to see her, relate all that had transpired, beg her to 
consent to an immediate marriage, and as soon as 
possible after it he would take her away. That^was 
his scheme; he was delighted with it — it was so 
simple, and so easily carried out. He overlooked 
one thing essential to its success, and that was the 
complicity of Eva ; but such an idea as her dissent 
to it never crossed him, so he hurried down to the 
cottage to see, and arrange the details with her. 

On his arrival he learned that J asper had gone up 
to Hilliard Hall, having been suddenly sent for by 
his father. He had been puzzling his brain for a 
plan to get rid of him, and lo ! the thing was done. 
Eva seemed so glad to see him ; and as he kissed 
her small ruby lips, he asked her if she had missed 
him. She — who thought of him in the early morn- 
ing, noon, and night — she miss him ? The very sup- 
position brought tears into her eyes ; Kyle kissed 
them off, and, with his natural impetuosity, told her, 
and unfortunately, in too plain words, all that had 
transpired between him and his father. Then he 
sketched out his plan with rapid enunciation, en- 
larging upon it with enthusiasm, and submitting it 
to her with a full conviction that it would command 
her unqualified approbation ; and it was just as he 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND, 


11 


finished his plan for the future, that the heavy fall 
of her head upon his shoulder, drew his attention 
to the fact that she had fainted. 

Overwhelmed with agony and alarm at the discov- 
ery, he staggered and nearly fell, but recovering 
himself by a strong exertion, hp bore her gently to 
a bench without the cottage door, and laid her 
there. He obtained some water, bathed her tem- 
ples, and gradually she returned to consciousness. 

At length, she was sufficiently restored to be con- 
ducted into the cottage ; and then ensued a scene 
between these two young creatures, of pain and 
agony such as is rarely witnessed. 

Eva Letton had awakened from a dream of 
heaven. The progress of her liking into love for 
Eyle had been imperceptible ; it had originated in 
his kind and courteous manner to her ; it had been 
fostered by his beaming eyes, his handsome manly 
face, and strengthened as much by the nobility of 
his character. 

He pressed her to his heart. 

“ And will you, when I am far away over the 
wide sea, Eva, remember me and be true to me ? ” 
Let no other arm encircle this dear waist, no other 
lips press these sweet lips after mine, for so long 
and dreary a time, have taken their last kiss from 
them.”. 


12 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


She slid through his arms, and falling on her knees 
exclaimed : ‘‘ As I prove true or false to you, Ryle, 
so may I hope for happiness or misery.” 

“ And Eva,” said he earnestly, “ may anticipated 
enjoyment perish, if I forget or evade hereafter 
what I have now so solemnly promised ! ” 

One passionate embrace and they parted — parted, 
as they believed, for two years, for she had stead- 
fastly refused to see him again until he returned to 
America entitled to claim her, and he remained true 
to his faith. 

He rushed in wild excitement from the cottage ; 
she retired to her room, and wept the long, long 
hours away. 

In the meanwhile Jasper made his appearance at 
the hall, and was ushered into the library, where the 
proud nabob ^vas seated to receive him. After the 
common preliminaries of such meeting had passed, 
Mr. Hilliard said, “Jasper, 1 have sent for you re- 
specting the sudden passion of Ryle my son, has con- 
ceived for shooting. Can you explain it ? ” 

“ Ho sir,” returned Jasper-— a tall, elderly man of 
rather grim aspect. 

“ Are you sure, Jasper ? ” 

“ Quite.” 

“ Has it never occurred to you that there might 
be a hidden motive, which does not appear on the 
surface ? ” 


My oPftcial EtJ^BAMM 


13 


“ ]^o sir,” returned Jasper. ‘‘ Mr. Eyle does seem 
fond of the sport, and he is a good shot.” 

“ But there is a secret cause ! ” exclaimed Mr. Hil- 
liard, with emphasis, and fixing his eyes steadfastly 
upon J asper’s face. 

“ Mr. Eyle is very frank and open in his way,” he 
said, “ and I have seen no secret reason for his fond- 
ness for the sport, and I don’t believe there is one.” 

“ Is this ignorance real or affected, Jasper ? ” 

‘‘ I don’t understand you. Will you be so kind as 
to explain?” 

“Yery well, Jasper! you have a daughter — a 
young and pretty girl.” 

“Well, sir!” 

“Well ! man, are your eyes not open yet ? My son, 
Eyle, comes to your cottage ; does he come to see you 
or your daughter ? He strolls with her alone in the 
woods ; is it his fondness for the sport of bringing 
down birds with his gun that makes him do this.” 

Jasper started, a shiver ran through his frame, his 
hands clinched convulsively, and the noise of his 
grating teeth might distinctly be heard. 

“ Oh ! you are beginning to awake now, are you? ” 

“ Mr. Hilliard, your son cannot be so treacherous — 
such a scoundrel as to ” 

“ Those are harsh epithets, as applied to my son. 
Ho, he has not so far committed himself as to bring 


14 


MY OFFICIAL BUSS AMD. 


ruin on the girl and shame on you, t^iat I know ; but 
you are quite conscious that marriage between them is 
out of the sphere of possibility ; and therefore, as any 
continuance of their intimacy is likely to end only in 
that we would both wish to avoid, you will see the 
necessity of sending her away at once, and of keeping 
from Eyle all possibility of knowing where she has 
been conveyed. As you obey me in this, so you will 
win my favor, and, mark me, Jasper, preserve your 
daughter’s honor ! Good-morning.” 

Jasper bowed stiffly and left. As he hurried along 
he twisted his hands in his hair, and ran forward to 
his home, uttering a howl, forced from him by the tor- 
ture of his mind. He pressed onward through a por- 
tion of the plantation leading to his cottage, and in a 
wild and lonely spot he encountered Eyle. 

The glare which shot from Jasper’s eyes told Eyle 
that all was known. Jasper saw that Eyle was now 
aware of the discovery. 

“Mr. Eyle Hilliard,” shouted Jasper, “are you not 
an infamous villain, to destroy the sanctity of my 
home, to ruin my child, and break my heart.” 

“ How dare you charge me with such infamy, old 
man ? ” cried Eyle, his eyes sparkling with rage. “ I 
say ’tis false ! ” 

“ How dare I ? What, when with treacherous de- 
ceit you worm yourself into my confidence, and used 
it to crush me? ” roared Jasper. 


Mt opPigtal husband. 


lo 


“ Jasper, you are mad ! ” cried Kyle passionately. 
“ If you repeat such language, I will not answer for 
the consequences. My blood is up, and I am almost 

as mad as you are — do not move me further ” 

“ ISTot move you ! not move you, the wolf that has 
stolen into the fold, and devoured the fairest lamb ? ” 
“ Jasper, I will not listen to these frantic ravings ! ” 
cried Kyle, his lip quivering, and his whole frame 
convulsed with passion. 

“ Let me pass — stand aside ! ” 

‘‘ No ! you have foully, basely wronged me ! ” 

“ I swear I have not.’’ 

“ Liar ! ” 

With a yell of mad passion, Kyle uplifted a stick 
he had in his hand, and it descended with tremen- 
dous force upon the head of. Jasper, who fell to the 
ground as if he had been shot, insensible. Without 
casting a glance upon the prostrate body, Kyle 
bounded past, entering the hall, and retired to his 
room, where he gave way to a terrible ebullition of 
bitter grief. Then he packed a few things into a 
gripsack hastily; gave instructions to his groom 
to saddle his blooded mare and accompany him ; 
and shortly afterward left Hilliard Hall, and made 
for the railway-station. Here he dismissed his 
groom with the horses, and he went on alone to 
New York. 


16 


MY OPFIGtAL PtfSBAPD. 


When he fled from the woods, after striking 
Jasper to the earth, he was not yet out of sight when 
the branches of some young trees were forced aside, 
and a man with repulsive features, but, showed by 
his attire, that he was one of the lower help in the 
service of Mr. Hilliard, made his appearance. He 
watched the retreating form of Ryle, and when it 
was lost to sight, he looked hard at the man who 
lay senseless on the grass, the blood slowly trick- 
ling from an abrasion of the skin upon the fore- 
head. 

“ He is only stunned,” he muttered ; “ although 
it was a tidy whack. I wish, it had been harder — I 
do! I’d a beat his brains out, I would ! You got 
me two years for stealing, did you ? I ain’t for- 
got that ! I ain’t forgot that 1 I have sworn to 
have my revenge and I think it’s come now — rather 
— so here goes ! ” 

The ruflian drew from his pocket a formidable 
clasp knife, and knelt down by Jasper’s side. 

“ Don’t tell any one, will yer ? ” he said, as he 
raised his arm, and then plunged the blade of the 
knife up to the handle into the prostrate man’s 
breast ; he drew it out, and the blood spurted out 
like a fountain over the assassin’s face and hands. 
He uttered an exclamation of sickening horror ; but 
when he was about to repeat the blow, the low 


MY OFFICIAL ^HUSBAND. 


11 


hoarse bark of a large hound broke on his ear. He 
turned round with an affrighted look, and then 
leaping to his feet, he hurled the knife from him, 
and murmuring, with an oath : 

“One of Jasper’s dogs — I know his teeth,” he 
turned into the deep woods and fled. 

V 



} 



t 



18 


Mt OFFICIAL HUS^AKI). 


CHAPTEE III. 

Eandle Hilliard, after the departure of Jasper, 
sat alone in his room pondering. The position of 
affairs in which his eldest son and the daughter of 
his head man were the principal actors, occasioned 
him great discomfort. He looked back into the 
solemn past, and the retrospect was an34hing but 
reassuring. Too well he remembered the overwhelm- 
ing influence female beauty had over him in his 
early days ; with bitterness he looked back to the 
time when counsels of friends, the commands of 
parents, even the prospects of unhappiness, failed 
to emancipate him from the fascination of love- 
liness. 

What extent of obedience was he, therefore, to 
expect from his son Eyle. He^nrust force Jasper to 
send Eva away to^arts unknown. And with these 
thoughts uppermost in his mind, he set out for 
Letton Cottage. He thought he could count upon 
Jasper’s advocacy of his views , unless he had sud- 
denly grown ambitious to seize upon what he 
might imagine would be a splendid opening for his 


MT OWICIAL EtfSnAND. 


19 


daughter. Even then, he fancied he knew how to 
manage him. 

His way lay through the park, and thence across 
a meadow into the plantation, through which there 
was a beaten track leading to the cottage of 
Jasper. He had to pass the place where Kyle had 
unhappily encountered J asper, and on reaching it, 
was startled by the prolonged wailing howl of a 
hound — a long, dreary, terrible cry it was, and made 
him shudder. He quickened his step, but he drew 
only nearer to the sound, and a sudden wind of the 
path brought to his view a sight which made him 
quail and grow faint. 

Upon the grass, stretched out in grim death, lay 
the body of his head man, Letton, blood upon his 
forehead, blood weltering from his side ; slowly, it 
is true, but still weeping from the wound made 
by Handle Hilliard’s ruffian emissary. At his head 
sat a favorite hound, who uttered the mournful 
howl, and who seemed to cast his large eyes in 
eagerness upon Mr. Hilliard as though to ask for 
aid. 

Shocked and almost terrified, he knelt down by 
the body and raised one of Jasper’s hands ; it was 
clinched, but cold as marble — life indeed appeared 
to be quite extinct. 

At first the thought that Jasper had committed 


^0 


MY OFFICIAL BnSBAMl). 


self-destruction crowded into his mind, but a glance 
at the position of his body, and the marks of ’feet 
trampling down the grass where the body la^^, 
forbade him fora moment entertaining such supposi- 
tion. The man had been evidently murdered ; but 
by whom? He clasped his hands wildly together, 
and rushed at once to Jasper’s cottage to raise 
an alarm and obtain assistance. All the while he 
fled, the question rung like some dreadful knell 
through his ears : “ Who had committed this 

murder ? ” 

Out of the woods to the hillside, where stood 
the cottage of which he was in quest, on he flew, 
reaching it pale and breathless ; he staggered up 
to it, and pushing open the door, entered. The 
apartment was untenanted : he called, but no reply 
was made ; he passed through into the back rooms, 
he searched the outbuildings, no one was there. 
He returned to the front room, and was about to 
ascend into the rooms above in the hope yet to meet 
some one who would aid him in raising an alarm; 
when he observed a shadow fall upon the window. 
Through the diamond-shape panes, he observed the 
sallow and repulsive face of the man he had em- 
ployed to track the footsteps of his son Ryle, and 
report to him faithfully his every action. 

It was a relief, notwithstanding the man’s hang- 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND, 


21 


dog visage, to see him. He beckoned him hastily ; 
and the man giving an uneasy look to right and 
left, obeyed the summons. 

‘‘ I Avant you. Wolf,” said Mr. Hilliard, “ to l^unt 
up some of my people at your utmost speed. A 
foul crime has been committed.” 

“ What, sir ? ” exclaimed the fellow, in a voice 
which was but a hissing Avhisper. Did you come 
here through the woods ? ” 

‘^Idid.” 

“ And you saw ” 

“A human body lying there — a man who has 
been murdered. You know of this. Wolf?” 

“ I am sorry to say I do.” 

“ Speak out, man ! What have you to say ? Do 
you know who it is, who lies there murdered ? ” 

“ I do sir ! ” 

“ And you did not summon help ? ” 

“Ho!” 

“ AYhy, fellow ? tell me all you know.” 

Wolf turned his white face and sickly eyes round 
the room ; he peered out of the Avindow, he eA^en 
strode to the door, and looked in all directions, then 
he returned to Mr. Hilliard, and said. : 

“ Ha^ve you nerve enough to know all ? ” 

“What are you driving at. Wolf?” cried Mr. 
Hilliard, a dreadful apprehension taking possession, 


22 


MF OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


of him. “ Speak out at once as I command you, 
and summon assistance.” 

“You must not blame me, then, if the disclos- 
ures does not prove agreeable,” said Wolf, look- 
ing up between his beetling brows. 

“ Go on,” exclaimed Mr. Hilliard, drawing a 
deep breath, and turning deadly cold at suggestions, 
which in spite of himself, would present them- 
selves to him, as he tried to think without a shadow 
of foundation. 

“ You employed me to keep a constant eye upon 
the movements of your son Ryle,” said Wolf. “ To 
ascertain whither he went, to whom he spoke, with 
whom he associated, and to give you a strict ac- 
count of his actions taking place out of your sight. 
Them, I believe, is your own words.” 

“True — true! Go on — you rack me with your 
prolixity.” 

“ I believe I have done my task well, for you 
have known all about the meetings of your son, 
Mr. Ryle, and Eva Letton, as they have taken 
place, since I was put on the scent. You don’t 
know all about this last affair, and I don’t think 
you’ll like to hear ; but when you have heard it, 
you will understand that it will be worth a pretty 

sum to keep it from slipping between my teeth ” 

“Wretch! you torture me beyond endurance I 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


23 


Kepeat all you are in possession of Avith respect 
to this dreadful matter, or leave me at once.” 

“AYell, here goes, then,” said Wolf, again glanc- 
ing uneasily around him. “ If so be as you Avill 
have it, the fault ain’t mine. You know I fol- 
lowed Mr. Eyle on his last visit here. I followed 
him on his r-eturn to the Hall. In that Avoods he 
met Jasper Letton coming from an intervicAV with 
you.” 

IST o, no ! ” 

“ As soon as they faced each other, hot and 
angry Avords ensued. Jasper, challenged Mr. Eyle 
Avith endeavoring to ruin the peace of his family, 
and Mr. Eyle denied it. One Avord brought on 
another, when Jasper called Mr. Eyle a liar. Then 
Mr. Eyle struck him Avith a stick ; then they closed, 
and grappled, and tAvisted ; and then your son dreAV 
from his shooting jacket a clasp-knife ” 

“ He did not use it ? ” gasped Mr. Hilliard. 

‘‘ He gripped the . handle tight in his hand, and 
stuck the blade into the old man’s heart, and he 
fell down like a stone, dead on the grass.” 

A horrified shriek pierced the ears of Mr. Hil- 
liard and his myrmidon, as the last sentence left the 
lips of the latter. They turned their eyes with 
startled emotion to the spot from Avhence’the cry 
proceeded, and s^w standing in the doorway leacl- 


24 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


ing to the upper apartment, Eva Letton, with her 
hands clasped, white as death, swaying to and fro 
— her whole aspect one of dire agony. Another 
instant, and she fell to the floor utterly in- 
sensible. 

Mr. Hilliard pressed his two hands to his head 
and felt like one bereft of his senses ; he groaned 
and shivered, and sunk into a chair powerless. 

Wolf, though excited, and even trembling in every 
limb, was more self-possessed than Mr. Hilliard ; 
and obtaining some water, he bathed Mr. Hilliard’s 
temples ; and then, when he found that he was re- 
covering, he raised Eva from the floor and laid her 
upon a couch which was in the room, still motion- 
less, and to all appearances dead. 

Mr. Hilliard made desperate efforts to control 
the fearful emotion under which he labored, and 
succeeded sufficiently to say to Wolf : “ Leave the 

poor girl to my care : hurry and gather some of 
the household, and bring here the — the — the — body 
of Jasper. Quick — quick ! Then hasten to the vil- 
lage, and send here the doctor who attends at the 
Hall ; but not a word of ” 

‘‘And the price of that secrecy?” exclaimed Wolf 
in an undertone, with furtive glances at him. 

“You shall be paid well, never fear — even 
beyond your most sanguine expectations ! ” crie4 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


25 


Mr. Hilliard. “ The honor of my family must be 
preserved. And now begone ; for such reparation 
as can be made to this poor child, shall be done.” 

When he had gone, Mr. Hilliard bathed the tem- 
ples and chafed the hands of Eva; but he only 
succeeded in restoring her to life, for her to fall into 
a rapid succession of hysterical fits accompanied by 
delirious ravings, in which the names of Kyle and 
her father were coupled, but only in the wildest 
and most incomprehensible manner. He tried by 
exclamations, by exhortations, by appeals, to bring 
her to a calmer state of mind, but in vain ; and it 
was not until she was utterly exhausted that she 
fell into a state of lethargy, which it was difiicult 
for him to understand whether it was another 
phase of syncope, or the precursor of death, arising 
from a sudden and tremendous shook to the sys- 
tem. The tears at length found way through his 
eyelids, and coursed each other down his checks. 

“ Has it come to this ? ” he exclaimed. “ Both 
to fall a sacrifice ! It had been better far had he 
married her, in spite of the world’s scorn, than 
this had come to pass. Oh heaven! should the 
fatal truth become known. Where, then, will be 
the pride of ancestry — the rank— the pomp of 
wealth ? ” 

He buried his face in his hands, and fell groaning 
upon his knees, at the side of Eva. 


26 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND, 


He was aroused from this position by the sound 
of horse’s feet, which aj)proached the cottage and 
paused before the door.* He hurried out. It was 
the doctor. Wolf was fortunate enough to meet 
him at no very great distance from the cottage, re- 
turning from a patient. 

“I am very glad to see you. Dr. Eichard, 
your best services are required here in a case of 
much emergency.” 

‘‘ Ay, sir,” returned the doctor, bursting into the 
cottage. “Wolf, the fellow who stopped me, has 
given me an inkling of what’s wrong. Ah, I see, 
one patient is here. Hysteria ! This girl is very 
ill — dangerously ill. She must be removed at once 
to bed. Is there no woman here ? ” 

“ I have seen no other than this poor girl, since I 
came to break to her the unhappy event which 
has thrown her into this distressing state.” 

“ Oh, yes there is,” exclaimed the doctor, “ Old 
Mother Barbara is somewhere about. She is as deaf 
as a post, but I’ll find her.” „ » 

He darted out of the back entrance, and in two or 
three minutes returned with an elderly woman, who 
did the hard work of the cottage. As soon as she 
saw Eva, she uttered a cry of distress, and com- 
menced wringing her hands, and giving way to the 
most extravagant gestures ; but a few words from 


M7 OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


27 


the doctor, shouted in her ear, made her compre- 
hend, the necessity of doing her best to assist, in- 
stead of wasting her strength in weeping. 

The doctor with her help, conveyed Eva to her 
bedroom, where the old woman contrived to get 
her into bed, while the doctor descended and ap- 
plied to his case for some restoratives ; holding 
out-at the same time very little hope of restoring 
Eva to her reason, even if he rescued her from death. 
And once more ascended to the bedroom, leaving 
Mr. Hilliard alone with his own thoughts. 

A shadow darkened the doorway, and the figure 
of a woman, closely muffled in traveling attire, 
entered. Mr. Hilliard turned toward her, and as 
she caught sight of his face, she started and re- 
treated two or three steps, uttering a faint ex- 
clamation of surprise. 

He waited for her to speak, 'but as she did not 
do so, he inquired whether she was a friend of Eva’s 
who perhaps having heard of her sudden blow, had 
come to offer her aid. 

‘‘ I am a friend to Eva Letton — a near and dear 
one,” she replied, still keeping her face closely veiled. 
“ It is with pain that I learn from you that she 
is ill, but be assured she will have my closest at- 
tention and care.” 

Without another word she hurried up the stairs 


28 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


to Eva’s room. Almost at the same moment, the 
sound of the hurried tread of men’s feet ^vas caught 
by the quick expectant ear of Mr. Hilliard. His 
heart throbbed fiercely and his face grew ghastly 
pale ; he staggered, and clung to a chair to keep 
liimself from falling. The cottage door was rudely 
flung open, and a party of his servants, headed by 
the constable entered. 

“ And the body, where was that ? ” 

These men had it not with them. Mr. Hilliard 
expected each instant to see four men march in with 
it upon their shoulders, but they came not ; and 
then he began to grow conscious that they were 
telling him that they had searched the woods for 
the body, but it was not there ; that they had 
hunted in every direction for it, but though traces 
of a struggle were plain enough in the broken 
twigs, the marks of feet and blood upon the grass, 
the body of Jasper Letton, was no where to be 
seen. 

Incredible as this appeared, it was yet the truth, 
and he accompanied the men back to make a yet 
further search, bu^ with no better success. The 
body could not be found; but while they were 
searching the second time, dreadful cries for help 
were heard, accompanied by the baying growls of a 
hound, 


MY OFPICIAL HtJSBAMl). 


All rushed to the spot from whence the sounds 
issued — fortunately as it proved for Wolf ; for the 
hound belonging to Jasper had fastened upon his 
neck, and would have torn him to pieces if he had 
not been beaten off and secured. No trace of 
Jasper was found, notwithstanding the search was 
kept up for several days. 

Not less singular was the fact that when Mr. 
Hilliard and the doctor paid an early visit to the 
cottage the following morning to ascertain the state 
of Eva, they found the cottage closed up ; and on 
affecting an entrance through the window, it was 
discovered that the strange woman. Mother Barbara 
and Eva, were gone. Not a living thing was left 
in the cottage ; and it was plain by the confusion 
in which many articles of wearing apparel were 
tossed about, that the departure had been as sudden 
as secret. 


30 


MY OFFICIAL MUSLAND. 


CHAPTEE IV. 

The whole population of a surburban village, not 
far from Washington, in which stood Hilliard Hall, 
was kept in a state of intense excitement the follow- 
ing day by the strange events which had taken place, 
with regard to Jasper Letton and his daughter. 

The statement of Mr. Hilliard and Wolf, with re- 
spect of the discovery made by them of the mur- 
dered body of Jasper, were repeated in every possible 
form of exaggeration. 

The subsequent disappearence of Eva Letton and 
Barbara — in itself mysterious enough — was yet made 
the vehicle for the most extravagant reports. Su- 
perstition stepped in to aid the babblers in their 
warm communications, and a fiction was at length 
shaped out, purporting to be a narration of the 
events, but which really contained not a particle of 
truth beyond the mention of the discovery of Jas- 
per’s body, as it appeared wounded to death, and 
the flight of Eva. Hints were thrown out, implicat- 
ing Mr. Hilliard, in a grave manner with the affair ; 
and it was openly cited, as a damning fact, that 


Mr official busLand. 


31 


Jasper had an interview with Mr. Hilliard on the 
morning of the murder ; that he had followed him 
immediately after he had left the Hall, and was 
first to give information of a crime which, as it 
seemed, he Avas actually near enough, if not mixed 
up Avith it, to have prevented it. That Jasper’s 
body should have vanished AAuthout the complicity 
of Mr. Hilliard, Avas to say that it had been super- 
naturally spirited aAvay by a certain person, whose 
name it is considered to Keep dark Avho did not 
think fit to wait the usual process of decomposition, 
but claimed his own upon the first opportunity that 
afforded. The inference draAAm, therefore, Avas that 
if the Evil One had not by his infernal agency swept 
Jasper, his daughter, and Mother Barbara off into 
the bargain, he had from some very strong inotiA^e 
himself slain his head man, and also put Eva and 
Barbara out of the Avay immediately after the doc- 
tor had quitted the cottage. 

One reason for this, perhaps, Avas that a belief 
generally obtained in the village that Mr. Hilliard, 
in years gone past, had put aAvay his Avife in some 
foreign land, and that Jasper, Avho went aAA^ay with 
him, and had been, as it Avas considered, a confiden- 
tial dependant for many years, Avas priAy to this 
circumstance, whether crime or not. It AA^as said, 
with many a nod and wink, that the murdered man 


3 $^ MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 

had known too much ; that in a late quarrel he had 
threatened to reveal all he was acquainted with, and 
Mr. Hilliard had purchased his silence at the fearful 
price of murder. 

Wolf had only to show his nose into the village to 
he seized upon by the idle gossips who put a variety 
of questions to him, and offered him unlimited 
glasses of beer if he would only tell them all ” 
he knew. With many an oath, he thrust them 
aside ; yet nevertheless, he assisted in their tongues 
wagging, for he, too, before a week had passed away, 
suddenly disappeared. 

A shrewd detective officer was employed by Mr. 
Hilliard to trace the flight of Eva, but he left after 
a day or two, saying he had but a faint clue which 
he would endeavor to work up. 

A letter came to Mr. Hilliard from Kyle. He 
acknowledged striking Jasper, pleaded the provoca- 
tion given, begged his father to aid Jasper for his 
sake, and concluded by saying that he would not de- 
part from Europe for a few years. 

Mr. Hilliard left his grand mansion for Hew 
York, leaving only the housekeeper and a few serv- 
ants "In it. In Hew York he was called upon by 
the detective who told him that he had ascertained 
that Eva Letton and Mother Barbara, and a tall 
dark lady had left Letton’s cottage in company. 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


33 


They arrived in IS’ew York, obtained berths on board 
of a Boston steamer, and departed. The dark lady 
giving her name as Clare Day. 

‘‘ That name,” murmured Mr. Hilliard aghast. 

‘‘ Has she taken this method of revenging ” He 

suddenly paused — and rewarded the detective, who 
withdrew. 

As soon as he was left alone he paced the 
room. 

“ The mystery thickens,” he said. “ The same 
name — the very place — what can it mean ? What 
has to do with Jasper’s daughter? His wife 
was drowned, or that might afford some clue to the 
object. Can she^ by any strange possibility, have 
learned aught respecting the fatal attachment 
between Eyle and the wretched girl now smuggled 
away, and would like a blow at my peace through 
her ? It cannot be ! I shall go mad — mad ! I 
must ascertain this — I must know whether such 
surmise can have any foundation in truth. I will 
follow them to Boston — I will nerve myself to my 
task — I wiU unravel this plot, if plot there be, or 
wiU prove it to be a mere suspicion of a too suscepti- 
ble brain.”. 

The evening preceding his departure he spent 
with Landon and his two daughters, for he knew 
not how long he might be absent. It was at a 


u 


Mr OPFICiAL eusMnd, 


moment when he was more disposed to discard 
his armor and pomp and pride, that a footman 
entered the apartment, and went toward Mr. 
Hilliard. 

“If you please sir, there is a person who begs you 
to grant — him ” 

Mr. Hilliard turned upon him fiercely: “ I gave 
orders that I would be disturbed by no one.” 

“ But this person says ” 

“ Begone, scoundrel ! — leave the room ! ” cried Mr. 
Hilliard rising up angrily. 

The servant retired. In ten minutes he re-ap- 
peared, and said, “ Mr. J^illiard, we have exhausted 
every method to get rid of this person, but he won’t 
go. Had we not better send for an ofiicer ? ” 

By an almost superhuman effort, he recovered an 
appearance of outward calmness, and said to the ser- 
vant: 

“ Let the man be conducted to my private room. 
T will see him there.” 

When the servant disappeared, Mr. Hilliard turn- 
ing to his children, perceiving the wonder expressed 
in their features, said, “ It is an erratic fellow, em- 
ployed by me to make some inquires. I forgot to 
leave word to admit him when he came. Ho thing 
more — ^nothing more.” 

He hurried to the room, and on entering he per- 


MT OFFICIAL nUSBANl). 


3a 


ceived, seated in an armchair, with his muddy 
boots and feet tossed over one of the arms, engaged 
in malving sarcastic observations, interlarded with 
oaths, to the servant — Wolf Scrubb. 


36 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


CHAPTER V. 

' Ryle Hilliard continued from the moment that 
he struck down Jasper in the woods, up to the sign- 
ing of the letter he addressed to his father, in a 
Avhirl of excitement. In passion he had struck down 
Jasper Letton. His self-reproach for the act — 
exclusively on Eva’s account — was unendurable, and 
he rushed to Hew York, to fly from himself. 

He had changed his outward appearance skill- 
fully, with his black wig, artificial mustache and 
whiskers, he looked very much like a distinguished 
foreigner. He was master of several languages and 
found no difficulty in assuming a dialect com- 
pounded of broken French and English, the use of 
which ably assisted him in concealing himself from 
the kind inquiries of those who were in active 
search for him. But while devising a plan for 
returning to the neighborhood of Hilliard Hall, he 
met a farmer from the same neighborhood who 
seemed to be on business in the city. Knowing 
him to be a simple-minded individual, accosted him, 
feeling quite sure that Farmer Sparrow would not 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


3 ? 


have recognized his own son in such a disguise as he 
was in. 

“ How do you do, Farmer Sparrow, how’s all the 
folks at home ? ” asked Kyle. 

“ How do, stranger, ’dare to goodness but I don’t 
know you; folks were all well when I left home.” 

“Why, Farmer Sparrow, I got acquainted with 
you when I was stopping at Hilliard Hall. I liope 
they are all well ; I expect to go there in a few 
days.” 

“Ho use now, stranger. Family is all here in 
Hew York.” 

“ What, all?” 

“Yes, all, ” said Farmer Sparrow. “Couldn’t 
stand the murder of Jasper Letton. ” 

“ Murder of who ? ” cried Kyle. 

“ Why of Letton, Hilliard’s head man to be sure. 
Somebody beat his skull in, in a lonely woods, not 
far from his own cottage. ’•’ 

Kyle gasped for breath, and staggered back. 
Then he seized the countryman by the arm, and 
said between his teeth, “ And the murderer ? ” 

“ Ah ! that is it ! Don’t know who did it — but 
Letton is killed, sure enough. ” 

“ By — by. a blow — on the temple ? ” 

“ Yes, surely. And it is strange enough, I can tell 
you, Tb© daughter fled away the same night; 


38 


Mr OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


some do say for one cause, and some say for 
another ; but I do say, to drown herself, poor girl ! 
for the old man was all she had to look up to. ’’ 

It seemed to Kyle as if his brain would burst. He 
stood like one changed from mortal life into a 
statue. The roar of passing vehicles, the presence 
of hurrying foot travelers, the din of busy traffic ; 
he was not conscious of ; he saw only the grim, 
gloomy woods; the bleeding body of Jasper lying 
there; the white figure of Eva, flying into the black 
and frowning waters of some deep pool. He did 
not see that even Sparrow was struck by the 
sudden wildness of his manner ; or that a low-look- 
ing fellow gazed at him with eager eyes, as though 
beneath the disguise he recognized the true person ; 
suddenly he uttered a cry, turned, and fled like a 
startled deer — was out of sight before Sparrow 
could make an exclamation, or the glaring eyes of 
the grimy ruffian could note which street he took. 
Fled ! fled as if from an avenging spirit — fled as if 
a troop ^f officers of justice were after him, led on 
by the spirit of retribution — whither he knew not — 
remembered not. All he knew was that he was 
pursued by the howling cry of Jasper’s blood for 
vengeance; and he fled on — on, as though his flight 
was never to end, and the troop of ghostly 
myrmidons of vengeance^ would never quit the 
pursuit. 


MY OYFIGIAL IW^BAND. 


39 


It was a long time before he again became con- 
cioiis of what was passing about him. Weeks had 
passed away, when one evening, in the dim light, he 
became aware that he was in some strange room, 
and that at the foot of his bed a young girl sat Em- 
ployed in needlework, that did not occupy much of 
her attention. 

He lay still and motionless, wondering. 

He found it difficult to call up the past though he 
tried ; there was a hazy wandering sensation averse 
to thought altogether. Still he could tell that he 
was in a strange place and among strangers. 

Presently he said in a feeble voice, “ Please tell 
me where I am ? ” 

The young girl started and threw down her work, 
and came toward him and said, Are you better ? ” 

“ I do not know. I remember not to have been 
ill. Where am I ? he said in a low tone. 

“ Among friends ; do not speak, you are too weak 
yet. I will go and call my mother.” 

“ Ho, but where am I ? ” again asked Kyle, press- 
ing his hand to his head, and trying to recollect how 
or why he could be there. 

“ Do you not remember coming one day and taking 
these appartments \ ” she said, looking at him with 
some surprise, 

“ Ho.” 


40 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


Don’t you remember telling me, when I in- 
formed you that my mother was out on business, it 
did not matter — that you had decided on taking the 
apartments for six- months, paying for the whole 
time in advance, don’t you remember now ? ” 

Not a circumstance.” 

‘‘ That same night you came back, out of breath 
with running ; and when you got in this room you 
fell down in a faint. My mother had just returned, 
we got medical assistance, and you were recovered 
only to become wildly delirious, raving about all 
kinds of strange things ; then you were seized with 
a violent fever, and you were given up. But there 
sir, you must not talk; be quiet and I will call my 
mother, she will be so glad to know you are 
better.” 

In a few minutes she returned with a pleasant- 
faced woman and a gray-haired elderly man, 
who was unmistakably the doctor, for he made his 
way to the bedside; feeling Kyle’s pulse, said: 
“ That will do— you are better, though there is still 
much* to do. Patience, quiet, no talking, nourish- 
ment, and so on, with some .-little strengthening., 
tonic, I will send, and you will soon be out again as 
strong and as well as ever. Your little woman 
there. Miss Hading, has been a very good child — a 
yery good^ kind patient little nurse, must not just 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 41 

yet awhile, let her little industrious tongue wag. 
Miss Sally may watch, and nurse if she will ; 
but for a few days, at least, it must be in 
silence.” 

About a week after the doctor pronounced Kyle 
out of his hands, Mrs. Hading entered and said, 
“ There are two persons downstairs who state that 
they wish to have a few words with you.” 

“ With me ? What name did they ask for ? ” he 
asked in surprise. 

“ Mr. Kyle, of Hilliard Hall. I told them that 
was not your name, but they said they were sure 
you were the person, and if I would say that they 
came from Hilliard Hall on very important business 
that you would see them.” 

“ What kind of persons are they, Mrs. Hading ? ” 
he inquired. 

“ One, if I may speak plain, is a perfect ruffian, 
and the other does not look much better.” 

“ Be good enough to tell them, I know nothing 
about them, or the place of which they speak ; and 
if they hesitate to go, I see a policeman standing 
on the corner — call him to your aid.” 

Mrs. Hading obeyed his instructions. He heard 
sorne altercation below, but a prompt reference to 
the policeman settled the question; and from the 
Ty’indovf R^le saw cross the street the man Wolf, 


42 


317 OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


and a fellow he recognized, who had been pointed 
out to him as a dangerous scoundrel. 

This retreat would not do for him any longer. 
He knew Wolf — not as the spy who had been set 
upon him to watch his movements, but as one con- 
nected with Hilliard Hall estate, and he had no 
doubt the fellow had some clue to connect him with 
the death of Letton, and was in search of him. 

He felt inexpressibly miserable, and without much 
power to act ; he, however, determined to leave, 
without having an idea where to go. The death of 
Letton at once altered his design; and henceforth 
he must actually become a wanderer and an outcast, 
with the stain of blood on his hands. 

The world was all before him where to choose ; 
but what spot to select to hide him and his sorrow 
he knew not. 

This was decided for him by the doctor. Eyle 
paid him his bill, and, thanking him for his kind- 
ness, mentioned to him his immediate departure. 

The doctor shook his head, and said : 

“ Where are you going, may I ask ?— profession- 
ally, you know— for you are not well yet, remem- 
ber.” 

“ I have not yet decided.” 

“ Let me decide for you. Until you are strong 
enough to render change of place of no conse- 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


43 


quence, what do you say to Mexico, for example. I 
think it w^ill do you a great deal of good.” 

Mexico be it,” said Kyle, with assumed indif- 
ference. 

That same night he took his farewell of Mrs. 
Hading and Sally. He remembered them with 
])rincely liberality. “Good-by, my good, kind, 
patient, enduring litttle nurse ; so long as I am in 
existence, I will be your friend, Sally. You may 
need one ; in me you will find one — faithful, and 
sincere ; and fail not to call upon me, should oc- 
casion require. A letter, paste restante, Mexico, will 
be sure to reach me, unless you hear from me 
again ; and now farewell for a long, long time.” 


44 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


CHAPTEE YI. 

Mr. Hilliard, upon entering his study, beheld, 
seated in an attitude at once insolently familiar and 
offensively vulgar, the scoundrel Wolf. He was 
muddied from collar to heels, and greatly disordered ; 
his face was grimy, his eyes bloodshot, his hair 
matted, his lips crusted with tobacco juice, and with 
the sound of his hoarse voice, rendered yet more 
husky by intoxication, for he was indulging in low 
ribaldry at the expense of the electrified servant 
who had conducted the “vulgar person’^ to the 
apartment in which he was seated, remaining with 
him to see that he did not pocket any of the valu- 
ables within reach. 

Mr. Hilliard turned sick on perceiving the state 
he was in, and wmuld have ordered him to be kicked 
out of the house instantly if he dared. But oh ! the 
potent mastery crime holds over the implicated ! He 
was compelled to smooth his frowning and to keep 
down his indignation he felt at the scoundrel’s 
astounding presumption. 

^s soon as the dull eyos of Wolf alighted upo^ 


MY OFFICIAL UUSBAND. 4 ^' 

him, he said, ‘‘Hallo — old fellow ! Co — hie — come 
then, he ? I — hie — I tole’ oV colli — hie ” 

“ If you have aught to say to me,” said ' Mr. 
Hilliard, sternly. I will listen to you, if not you 
must leave this house instantly.” 

“ Oh ! hie — I’ll — ’blige you — but you — know the — 
hie — the murder won’t rest.” 

Mr. Hilliard turned to his servant, and said, 
“ Leave the room ; when I ring, only, I will require 
you, but then be prompt in attendance.” 

When the man had gone he turned to Wolf, and 
with a manner which in some degree awed the ruf- 
fian, said: “ Listen to me; a repetition of this conduct, 
and your life shall not be worth a minute’s purchase. 
I care not what you may threat ; but if y(^ dare 
again, scoundrel, to thrust yourself into my house 
in this state, nothing can or will prevent the- in- 
fliction upon you of a sound punishment, which will 
prevent repetition.” ^ 

Wolf balanced himself on his chair for a moment, 
and then muttered : “ Scoundrel ! well — Inc — that’s 
plucky too ! ” 

“What do you want? answer, and’ briefly,” 
exclaimed Mr. Hilliard, determined if possible, to 
retain the advantage he fancied he had gained. 

“ Money ! ” ejaculated Wolf. 

. “ I thought so, you should have written for it, not 
come in person.” 


4G 


MT OFFICIAL EUSJBAK^. 


“ Can’t write ; wasn’t taught.” 

Then get some one to write for you.” 

“Ha! ha! Who— hie— should I tell to write 
about the murder, eh ? ” 

Mr. Hilliard pressed his hand to his head and 
paced the room, and then turned with feverish 
impatience to the ruffian, and said : “ What sum do 
you want ? ” 

“Well — hie — a cool thousand or two— hie ! I 
can get along a little while with that.” 

“ Ho,” said Mr. Hilliard, promptly ; “ I have no 
objection to give you a handsome sum, but it is on 
condition you leave this country forever. If you 
agree to this, half shall be paid down on a day you 
may appoint, and half on the day which the vessel 
that is to bear you to some distant land sails from 
these shores. But I must have good guaranty that 
you accept my terms and abide by them before I part 
with a dollar.” 

“ You think me an enemy. I ain’t no such 
thing, I wants to do you a good turn and you 
won’t let me.” 

“ I wish you to consider my terms — to accept or 
refuse them.” 

“ And what if I refuse ? ” 

“ Do your worst ; I know how to handle you.” 

“ Then you defies me ? ” 


Mr OPFICIAL HUSBAND, 


4l 

“ I can do so. What have you to tell ? A wild 
improbable story ! Where is the murdered man’s 
body ? Go ! I have nothing to fear from you.” 

Wolf grated his teeth, then said, “Look a-here! 
I knows ydiere, this moment, to place my hand on 
the ’sassin, I knows where to do it, and can prove 
it ! I can have you put in court to swear — to a lie, 
if you likes ; but, I knows those who’ll worry all 
you knows out of you, an’ I knows where Jasper’s 
lies at the bottom of a deep pond, waiting only to 
come up when called for. That staggers yer, does 
it? You defies me, does yer! Well, do it! or 
down with. the money.” 

Mr. Hilliard lost his self-possession, and sank into 
his seat with a groan ; he covered his face with, his 
hands. 

“I don’t do my work by halves,” hissed Wolf in 
his ear; an’ I knew that lody would be wanted 
some day, unless I could stow it where nobody 
know’d of it but myself. My game is to live, an’ if 
anybody made a livin’ out of a dead man, I made 
up my mind it should be me. Will you pay up 
now, or am I to do my worst ? ” 

Mr. Hilliard once more leaped to his feet. 

“ Where is my son ? Take me to him and I will 
shower gold upon you which shall glut even your 
greed.” 


48 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


Before Wolf could answer, a knock was heard at 
the door, which was immediately opened and a 
servant made his appearance and said, “If you 
please sir, the person named Byrnes wishes to see 
you when you are disengaged.” 

Wolf retired to the window. 

“ Is it the detective ? ” inquired Mr. Hilliard with 
assumed calmness. 

“ I believe it is, sir,” returned the man. “ He did 
not wish me to disturb you; he said he was 
acquainted with the individual to whom you 
granted an interview, and he would wait, he was in 
no particular hurry.” 

Wolf hissed something through his teeth which 
Mr. HiUiard could not catch, but he said to the 
servant, “ Tell Mr. Byrnes that I will see him as 
soon as I am at liberty. ” 

“ I think I hear him coming up, sir,” said the 
servant, as he • retired and closed the door after 
him. 

The instant his back was turned. Wolf flung up 
the window and looked about him. He made an ex- 
clamation, almost as it appeared, of exultation, and 
then leaped lightly on to the window-sill, closing 
down the window again, leaving himself outside, 
and Mr. Hilhard inside in a state of alarm it is im- 
possible to describe. He knew that there was a 


MY OFFICIAL UtlBBANI). 


49 


clear fall below of about forty or fifty feet ; there 
was nothing for the man to get at — nothing but 
the small ledge outside the window between him 
and death, by being dashed to atoms. 

Each moment he expected to hear the falling 
man’s feet scrape against the wall, and the dull 
bound on the pavement far away below, announc- 
ing his fearful fate. It seemed as if he must shriek 
with horror. 

At^that moment the door softly opened, and 
Byrnes, the detective, made his appearance ; then 
Mr. Hilliard, overcome by the contending emotions, 
fainted. 

Detective Byrnes saw at a glance the condition - 
of Mr. Hilliard, and rang the bell violently. At the 
same time he looked with the quick eye of a hawk 
round the apartment, but no other person was 
present. Ho door led into any other apartment. 
He was at the window in a second, and flung it up, 
and looked out ; then he drew in his head, and shut 
down the window. The servant entered all in a 
flurry, the detective ordered him to bring some cold 
water quick}; they bathed Mr. Hilliard’s temples, 
and in a few minutes he opened his eyes. After 
glaring around him, he rose to his feet, stared at 
the servant, at the detective, pressed his hand to 
his head, then cried : “ Is this all a horrid dream ? ” 


50 


MY OFFICIAL EVSBAFfD. 


Pray be seated, and collect yourself,’^ exclaimed 
Byrnes quietly ; and turning to the servant, said to 
him : “ You had better leave the room, and keep 
your tongue within your teeth.” 

Mr. Hilliard, after a struggle with his emotions, 
became sufficiently calm to demand the cause of 
Byrnes’ presence on that occasion. 

“My business was with the man Wolf Scrubb. I 
wanted him upon a burglary case ; a very bad one 
too, for blood was shed. I traced him here. I do 
not seek to pry into any secrets of yours ; but I 
Avould suggest that the fellow is a desperate scoun- 
drel. He had seven years at Sing-Sing for a bur- 
glary, but was one of the first men let out on a ticket- 
of-leave. He’s been at his old tricks again ; and this 
time if he is convicted, I expect he will be required ^ 
to give his opinion of the air of Sing-Sing again. 

He has escaped me this time, but I shall have him 
yet.” 

“ Unless he is dead beneath the window.” 

“Ho, no, Mr. Hilliard, he got down safe enough, . j, 
it’s an old trick of his.” 

“ A trick, to fall fifty feet in safety ? ” , , 

“Ho trick exactly, Mr. Hilliard, but an acquire- 
ment ; I should have said ; he escaped from prison by 
it. There is a sharp angle formed by a jutting wall ; 

just outside there, and he went down it, shoulders ^ 


MT OFMCIAL nnSBAl^l). 


51 


and feet ; that’s all. It’s a daring feat, but I suspect 
he found it was neck or nothing with him. I have 
only to add, that if he manages to keep out of my 
hands and the less you have to do with him the 
better.” 

“ I — I employed him to watch the actions of a — a 
relative, who I feared was pursuing a wrong path ; 
that was all,” exclaimed Mr. Hilliard, embarrassed 
under the bright eagle eyes of the detective. 

“ I will not detain you further than to say, Mr. 
Hilliard, that yesterday from information I obtained, 
a Mr. Adon Wellington, in the service of the Hay 
family, started for Mexico yesterday.” 

“ Hid you see him ? ” asked Mr. Hilliard with 
eagerness. 

“I did.” 

“ Hescribe him to me,” cried Mr. Hilhard. 

“ He was tall,” exclaimed Byrnes, consulting a 
small memorandum book. 

“ With gray hair ? ” 

“Yes; he had a wound on his forehead, which 
had been strapped up. And looked very ill, as 
though he had recently recovered from great pros- 
tration. He walked with the aid of a cane, but with 
difficulty.” 

“ His features, were they strongly marked?” 

Yes, with a grim expression. He had gray eyes, 


Mr omctAL BUSS Am. 


and moved his head slowly back as he looked at 
you.’’ 

“ Yes — yes — ^yes ! ” gasped Mr. Hilliard. 

“ And has one of his front teeth broken,” added 
the detective. 

“ It is he ! ” exclaimed Mr. Hilliard, sinking back 
in his chair. 

“ That is all,” exclaimed the detective, closing his 
little memorandum book. 

“All! all, my friend! You know not that the 
whole happiness of a family is involved in what you 
have just made known to me. T know not how to 
reward you, but as far as money can do it, you shall 
not complain.” 

“ I will be well satisfied with money that is due 
me.” 

Mr. Hilliard learned now all he could obtain, or 
so far as he could expect. He dismissed the 
detective with a very handsome present, and then 
sat down to think. 

“ So,” said he musiugly, “ the silence is broken at 
last ! The veil is lifting, the gloomy obscurity of 
years is dissipating! What will it disclose? 
What shape is the bitter animosity, the withering 
hatred to take ? Wholesale destruction of me and 
my house, of those who are the treasures of mv 
heart ? ” 


MY OFFICIAL HV8BANB. 


53 


“Well, I will meet her upon her own battle-ground, 
fight her with her own weapons ! Do all, dare all 
that she can do or dare ! Hers the false step, not 
mine ! We will see what the future will bring 
forth.” 

The next morning Mr. Hilliard sped on his way 
to Boston. On his arrival he found Clare Day and 
Eva had departed for Mexico, he followed them in 
hot pursuit. 


54 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


CHAPTER YII. 

When Mr. Hilliard made the arrangements, 
necessary to enable him to leave Hew York, he 
provided for the possibility of being away for an 
extended period. Eandon would go to college im- 
mediately after his father’s departure; and con- 
trary to his first intentions, he decided that his 
daughters should remain at their mansion on Fifth 
avenue, under the care and guidance, of an elderly 
maiden lady, a distant connection of the family. 
Professors of the highest reputation were to be en- 
gaged to perfect the young ladies in various 
branches of education, and in those accomplish- 
ments essential to their high sphere in life. All 
was to be under the control of the elderly maiden 
relative, who was to be invested with full power to 
act as Mr. Hilliard’s representative during his 
absence. Proper intimation of this was conveyed 
to the steward, and to the housekeeper. 

The maiden lady. Miss Frost, and her maid Edesa 
arrived, and were conducted to the rooms prepared 
for the former; and there they found another maid^ 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


55 


ready to attend upon Miss Frost, but she was dis- 
missed, Edesa alone being permitted to wait upon 
the antiquated column of starch. 

Clare and Daisy, who were desirious of receiving 
her in an affectionate manner, were repelled by the 
i«y grandeur — rather the frigid courtesy of the old 
lady’s manner ; for there was no mistake in that she 
elevated them into a position higher than her own, 
although she knew they were about to be placed 
under her guidance and control. Still the formal 
precision she displayed toward them compelled them 
to take back the spontaneous offering of their hearts 
and toss ice and snow to her in return. 

The time passed on. Mr. Hilliard was gone, Lan- 
don, too, was borne by rail to Alma Mater. Miss 
Frost, as the household was distinctly aware, was 
in the full plentitude of her power, and Clare and 
Daisy were all the day employed in mastering the 
languages with their different professors. One of 
these professors was an Italian, about thirty. 

Signor Sibino Danato had a handsome face ; was 
of an olive complexion ; with black hair, and mus- 
tache ; his features v)'ere regular ; his eyes especially 
brilliant, and were frequently shrouded by long eye- 
lashes, as though he were conscious of their beauty, 
and made a point of exhibiting them. 

He was recommended to Miss Frost by her maid 


56 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


Edesa.' So was admitted into the family to teach 
Clare and Daisy Hilliard. 

When first introduced to them, they both experi- 
enced a strange thrill of terror. They were both 
young and beautiful, and his large glittering eyes 
seemed to gloat on them as a tiger upon its victim 
just ere it makes a spring. 

Clare shuddered when he approached her, with an 
instinctive, indefinable horror which seemed prepos- 
terous, but which she could not shake from her. 

As for Daisy, she openly rebelled, at least to Miss 
Frost, against a continuance of lessons with Signor 
Danato. 

“ Why ! Daisy Hilliard ? ’’ exclaimed the column 
of starch, sitting up in a stately form and looking 
like a petrifacation of her living self, as she heard, 
with such astonishment jCs she was modeled to feel, 
this unexpected announcement. 

‘‘ I do not know exactly why. Miss Frost, but I do 
know that I will not take another lesson from him, 
and shall endeavor to bring Clare to my opinion and 
determination.” 

She stamped her foot with passion as she exclaimed 
this ; and she ran out of the apartment to her 
own room. 

The eyes of Edesa the Italian maid pursued her 
retreating form as if they were a couple of fire ball§ 
following in her track. 


Mr OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 




Edesa broke the silence. 

“ Miss Daisy is under a spell,” said she, in a low, 
quiet tone ; “ I am in fear that her false impression 
is the result of a warm imagination ripening.” 

Miss Frost groaned. “ What an exhibition ! A 
young lady to stamp her foot and run out of the 
room like that.” She moaned. 

“ To have such strange feelings ! ” suggested 
Edesa. 

“ Tut, tut, Edesa,” she exclaimed, as she steered 
with dignified pace to the door ; ‘‘ feeling, indeed ! a 
lady has no feelings, at least, to fit her to her high 
position in society, she should have none.” Saying 
this she proceeded to Daisy’s room. 

Edesa followed. For an instant her eyes gleamed 
with fiery hatred as Miss Frost uttered her last 
sentiment, but in an instant she was calm as usual. 

And all this time, that is, during the preceding 
colloquy. Signor Danato was occupied in giving 
Clare her lesson in Italian. 

. There was an inconceivable repugnance, mixed 
with a species of mortal terror, in her feelings, and 
yet a degree of fascination, which rather drew her 
toward him than repelled him from her. Still she 
went on with her lessons, feeling and knowing that 
the man was spreading round her an atmosphere, as 
it seemed, of impurity. He turned the language of 


58 


MY OFFICIAL IIU8BAND, 


his native land, so susceptible of such a purpose to 
this end. 

The extracts given for translation, even the verbs 
selected for conjugation, expressed love and passion. 

“ Ah ! Miss Clare,’’ he said, fastening his brilliant 
eyes upon hers, and speaking with a terrible earnest- 
ness. “ I, too, can love, fondly, passionatel}^ madly; 
I, too, can hate, and like my countrymen, take a 
dreadful revenge ; not on the object of my hate, by 
the knife, but on those they loved, by poison, by 
subtle processes, which would rack, torture, and at 
l§ast destroy them ; and she I hated should know, 
without the power to prevent, that she was the 
occasion of the mortal misery and inevitable death 
of all she loved best on the earth. This would be 
the fate of her whom I might love, but who, per- 
haps, would spurn and reject me. But I pray you 
to pardon me, Miss Clare,” he said as he saw her face 
grew pale with fright ; so changing the expression 
of his features, he added in his usual tone: “ What 
to you can be the feelings with which my poor heart 
is animated ? You the lady, I your humble 
teacher.” 

He did not give her time to leave before him, but 
bowing low, retreated hastily from the apartment. 

As soon as he had left, Clare hurried to her room 
to find restoratives to keep to her from fainting. 


MY OFFIGIAL HUSBAND. 


59 


He at a dark angle of the stairs met Edesa. She 
griped his wrist, and said in Italian to him, “ Be 
cautious, or you will fail and be thrust into the 
street. Miss Daisy detests you ; she refuses to see 
you again, and Miss Clare ” 

“ Will surely be mine ; she is in the net already.” 

“ Be guarded ! The one who employs you re- 
wards with the liberality of an empress, and visits 
failure with ” 

“ I know. I shall not fail — the charm is work- 
ing ! ” 

Not another word. Edesa went placidly to the 
dressing-room of Miss Frost; and Signor Sibino 
Danato glided down the stairs. 


60 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


CHAPTER YIII. 

Upon the banks of the river Panuco in Mexico, 
stood an ancient and capacious building. 

At the back of the building, leading to the 
Panuco, was a flight of stone steps, to enable the 
residents of the dreary house to embark in a small 
boat or any other vessel of the kind, to be borne up 
and down the fair river. It was not often that this 
was made use of ; but at times, mostly at night, a 
long black boat would glide at a signal to the steps, 
and receive within its tomb-like interior a taU lady 
closely enveloped in a black veil. 

On a dark moonless night, a short time after the 
events since related, a somber-looking boat was pro- 
pelled up to the stone, moss-grown, slimy steps of 
the house. From beneath the arched covering 
appeared a man muffled in a cloak, who uttered a 
few words in Spanish to the boatman ; he then gave 
his hand to a tall female, to whom a younger one 
clung, and assisted them out of the boat upon the 
steps ; and so guided them into the house, the door 
having been opened at a signal. They were fol- 


MY OFFICIAL BVSBAND. 61 

lowed by a stout elderly woman, who with open 
mouth, gazed about her in mute wonder. 

The two women who disembarked, proceeded 
into a spacious hall, and by a corridor to a door at 
which they halted. 

The man tapped three times and then was heard 
from within the sound of a silver bell ; the door was 
opened by him, and they went slowly and with 
noiseless step into the room, which was dimly 
lighted. 

At a table a lady was seated, dressed in black 
velvet ; she was of commanding stature ; her face 
was pale, but remarkably handsome. She did not 
look old, there was stern character in her appear- 
ance which produced the same effect. 

“You have returned, Kocco.” 

“ To your commands. Madam Vistula,” responded 
the man. 

‘ ‘ And you, Leonore ? ” she saidto the elder of the 
two females. 

“ I am here, madam,” replied the woman quietly. 

“ Who have you with you ? ” asked the lady, eye- 
ing with a curious gaze, the young girl, who kept 
close to the side of her companion. 

“ Eva,” returned the woman. 

“ Eva ? ” repeated the lady, as if trying to recollect 
to whom the name belonged. “ Eva, let me see your 
face, child.” 


6 ^ 


MY OFPiGIAt UVSBAND. 


Leonore, with little ceremony, removed the veil 
which had been kept thickly folded over the face of 
her young companion, and revealed the pale face of 
Eva Letton, but as lovely as ever. 

The lady gazed upon her face with eager interest. 
She pursued each lineament with curious inspection ; 
but at length, with a sigh, she said : ‘‘ How fair and 
beautiful ! How very beautiful ! One more inheritor 
of that fatal gift, the curse and destroyer of the hap- 
piness of our sex ! ” 

She pressed her hand over her eyes, a shudder ran 
through her frame. 

“Madam Vistula, don’t you know the face?” 

“ JSTo,” she replied. 

A smile of triumph passed rapidly over the woman’s 
features, and then she said, “ This is Eva Letton.” 

“ Eva Letton — your child, Leonore?” exclaimed the 
lady in great surprise, rising to her feet. 

“ Yes,” replied Leonore. 

Eva started back to look with astonished eyes on 
the placid face of her who had made the announce- 
ment. 

She would glady have given up half her life to 
have been able to fling herself in her mother’s arms, 
and have felt herself pressed to that mother’s breast. 
She clasped her hands, and said in tones of en- 
treaty: 


Mr OFnOlAL lltj8BAni). 


aa 


“ You — you — are my mother ? ” 

“Why not? Why should I not be your 
mother ? ” 

“ Mother, dear mother ! ” said Eva, and she would 
have thrown herself into her arms, but Leonore 
stopped her. 

“We must have no scenes here, Eva. The madam 
does not approve of scenes. ’’ 

“No,” replied the madam, still looking at Eva 
with an interest she could not account for . “ Tell 
me, Leonore, do I understand rightly, that your 
daughter has been living near Hilliard Hall ? ” 

“ Upon the estate, madam, with my husband, 
Jasper. ” 

“ And doubtless knows well, by sight, the mem- 
bers of the Hilliard family ? ” 

“Well, madam. ” 

“ I am glad of that. I will talk with her at 
another time respecting them. I have one question 
to ask, which may lose nothing in importance by 
being asked now. Do you know the eldest son — 
Mr. Kyle Hilliard — do you know him, Eva ? ” 

Poor Eva, her heart swelled as though it would 
burst. 

After a minute’s pause, the madam with a fixed 
stare said: “ Why do you not answer me, girl ? ” 
Leonore had watched Eva closely, too ; she per- 


64 


Mt OFFlGlAL HUSBAND. 


ceived her emotion : and though she knew not its 
exact cause, she had a shrewd suspicion of the real 
state of the case. She grasped Eva by the hand, as 
though to put her on her guard, and to conceal her 
emotions ; and then, turning to Madam Yistula: 
“Your pardon, madam, we have traveled rapidly, 
and continuously. Eva is unaccustomed to fatigue.' 

“ The whole affair is a great surprise to her. She 
is overcome and seems likely to faint with the over- 
exertion. "Will you, madam, permit me to retire 
with her, and as soon as I have assisted her to re- 
tire, I will return and make my report. I have 
matters of importance to communicate to you ; so 
also has Kocco ; I will soon return again.” 

“ The girl does look pale. You can go. ” 

Leonore Letton led Eva out of the room. The 
madam looked after her and muttered: “ She is 
wonderously beautiful. Her face is cast in no 
common mold, it is clear. Why have I this pain 
in my heart when she is by — as even now I think 
of her? It is very strange! Yet it seems that 
some fleeting expression there is known to me of 
something once familiar, once dearly loved in time 
long past. Ha ! Leonore asked me if I knew the 
face? — where — where have I seen that heavenly 
expression? Oh, this ache at my heart! What 
can it mean ? I must inquire into this. She, the 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


65 


daughter of Leonore Letton ? I’ll know who she 
really is. What, can this Leonore have a secret 
from^me? I’ll fathom it, though I have to cut 
down into her heart for it. ” 

She sat musing for a few minutes, then she 
suddenly roused herself, and turned her face to a 
dark corner of the room, where Eocco stood in the 
shadow watching her. 

“ Come here, Eocco, and tell me what you have 
done. ” 

Then Eocco went into a long statement, to 
which she listened with considerable attention. 

“ Are you sure of the people in whom you have 
placed dependence ? ” she inquired anxiously. 

“Perfectly. Edesa hates better looking women 
than herself, particularly if their position is higher 
than hers, and will be tempted, out of this feeling, 
to accomplish their downfall. Still she loves 
money— -she is avaricious — she will sell her soul for 
it, piecemeal. Can I say more ? ” 

“ And Danato ? ” 

“ He is very handsome and fertile in expedient ; 
he will dare destruction to accomplish his desires. 
He will plan, plot, and persevere, in his purpose, 
without being turned from it by discouragements, 
however numerous. He has seen Clare Hilliard, he 
knows you wish to humble and bring to the dust, 




MY OFFICIAL HUSBAm. 


Eandle Hilliard, her father, and through her he will 
accomplish your desire.” 

‘‘ It is yet to he done,” she said. Tell Signor 
Danato not to let the need of gold stand in his way. 
I will secure to him all he may possibly require, to 
succeed in his undertaking ; but I’ll need proof — a 
letter, perhaps written by her, to show to her father. 
Oh, ’twill be a big revenge ! ” 

She paused, and then said, “ Does Leonore know 
of your discovery of the body of Jasper Letton ? ” 
‘‘Ho, madam, and her daughter has not once 
alluded to the supposed murder of her father; has not 
even mentioned his name.” 

A grim smile lighted up the woman’s face. “ That 
will be revenge ; that will be a blow indeed to the 
proud man. Oh, could poison or the knife bring me 
such satisfaction as this ? ” 

“ She has her secret, too, and that must be mine,” 
muttered the madam. Then she added, “We must 
learn from Jasper’s own lips the story of his injury. 
You must go to Hew York and bring him here as 
soon as he is able to bear the journey. I have him in 
my power, and he must do all that I command. I 
will work the destruction of the house of Hilliard. 
Leave me, Kocco ; I will see you in the morning.” 

Kocco glided away like a guilty spirit, and Leonore 
entered and talked for an hour with the madam. 


MT OFFICIAL ntJSBAND. 


■ 6 ? 


When she left her, it was with words of seeming 
devotion on her lips ; but when the door was closed, 
there was a glitter in her eye, and a growl of hate 
escaped her, which did not say much for her attach- 
ment to Madam Vistula. 


es 


Mt OVMGlAL HUSBAND. 


CHAPTER IX. 

Madam Vistula after the interview, kept in her 
room for some days. The only communications 
made beyond its limits, were that Leonore should pay 
scrupulous attention to her daughter Eva, and display 
the greatest care in her endeavors to restore her to 
health, but that she was not to present herself to 
the madam until she was summoned to attend 
her. 

Eocco was dispatched to Eew York, the madam 
giving him his final instructions, and then retired 
within the secrecy of her private boudoir. 

On the third night of the arrival of Eva Letton at 
the dark house on the river bank, the madam at 
the dead hour of midnight stood at the bedside of 
Eva, closely and earnestly looking at the face of the 
sleeping girl as she lay in heavy and feverish 
slumber. 

To whom had such a face belonged ? Oh ! where 
had she seen it ? 

There was no response on the part of her 
memory. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAMD. 


69 


She saw a fine gold chain around the sleeping girl’s 
neck from which a jeweled pendant hung. The 
madam placed the light where its beams were hid- 
den, and kneeling by the bed, removed from the 
chain the object she had detected. Having obtained 
it, she hastened with it to her room, and when there, 
turned the light full upon it to examine it closely. 
She was not surprised on touching a spring to see it 
fly open, nor astonished to find the portrait of a 
young and handsome man ; but she started when 
she saw the features. 

“ It is he, he, himself,” she exclaimed, in agony, 
“ he, as first I saw him ! ” 

She staggered, and sank upon a chair almost 
fainting. 

Again and again she ^ gazed upon it, and even 
while she grated her teeth with intense malice at 
bitter remembrances, the salt, scalding tears forced 
themselves down her cheek. 

“ I loved him so — I did love him so, I would have 
perished for him with a smile, had he been but kind 
to me — had. he affected to return it. Ho ! I would 
not have seen his dissimulation if it had grinned in 
my eyes. It would have been enough to have 
heard him say only that he loved me. No degrada- 
tion held me back from doing, daring all he could 
have asked of me. He knew it — he must have known 


MY OFFICIAL HU8BAND. 


?0 

it; yet he scorned, spurned me when he was tired of 
me! Oh, but I will have my revenge. The 
mystery about this girl grows painful : it must be 
solved.” 

She turned the picture, and at the back was writ- 
ten, in a neat hand — “ Kyle Hilliard — a gift to his 
own Eva.” 

So ! ” she ejaculated. Here, at least, is one 
solution. “ This, then, is the portrait of the son ; 
and Eva loves him — that is transparent. Does he 
love her ? That is another question. It is so easy 
for a man to win a woman’s heart upon a shallow 
pretense. Yet he may love her or be made to do so ; 
and here I may have, within my grasp, one piece 
of exquisite torture for that proud heart ; and I will 
use it to its utmost extent. I must know her 
history, and then learn where Kyle Hilliard at this 
moment is, and bring him here.” 

Leaving her lamp where she had placed it, she 
stole to Eva’s room, and gently restored the jewel 
to its place, and glided noiselessly from the room. 

The next morning she sent for Leonore. She en 
tered and found the madam as pale and collected 
as ever. 

‘‘Leonore !” she said slowly, and with emphasis, 
“Whose child is tliis girl you call Eva Letton?” 

“I have told you, madam.” she replied calmly. 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


71 


“ That she is yours ? ” 

Leonore shrugged her shoulders, but remained 
silent. 

“ And Jasper Letton’s ? ’’ 

Leonore remained silent. 

“ And Jasper Let ton’s ? ” repeated the madam. 

“ Then she is a child of shame.” 

“She is.” 

There was another pause ; then said the madam, 
“ does J asper know of this ? ” 

“No.”' 

“ But you can prove its truth ? ” 

“ I can.” 

“ Enough ; you may go and devote your attention 
to the recovery of your daughter’s health, and her 
good looks. When I require your presence I will 
give you plenty of time. Exert yourself to make her 
cheerful, and do everything to gratify any reasonable 
wish she may have.” 

Leonore retired slowly. As she closed the door 
once more, that look of fierce hatred she had before 
displayed, animated her features, and then she 
caused it to disappear and made her way to Eva’s 
room. 

Some time elapsed, and Eocco made his appear- 
ance at the dark house on the bank of thq river. 
This time he had Jasper with him. 


72 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


She sat in her darkened room, and received him 
in the same stately manner as usual. I am glad 
to see you, Mr. Letton, and must congratulate you 
on the fortunate discovery of your body by Kocco, 
and also your subsequent recovery. You still look 
ill!” 

“Weak, madam, nothing more,” he replied. 

“ I am glad of it ; you have served me for years 
and well; ” 

“ You know 3^our daughter is here. Will you see 
her?” * 

“ Oh, yes I will see her at once.” 

The madam sent for Eva, desiring to speak with her 
alone, in the room adjoining the one Jasper was in. 
Eva, frightened and miserable entered the apart- 
ment. 

The madam almost ran toward her, she took the 
girl’s cold hand, and led her to a seat. Eva could 
not help noticing with astonishment the change in 
the madam’s dress. 

Her black dress was discarded ; and- she Avas 
robed in a dress of dark purple tint, trimmed Avith 
gold, set in Avith jeAvels, the material of her dress 
being of the finest Genoa velvet. 

Eva thought that she had never seen anything so 
grand and beautiful as this lady. 

“ Prepare yourself, Eva, for Avhat I have to say. 


MV OFFICIAL HUSBAND. -^3 

You believed your father, Jasper Letton, was mur- 
dered. It was not so.” 

Eva clutched her closely, and stared in her eyes. 
The madam almost staggered under her glance. 

‘‘ He is alive. And if you promise to be good, 
you shall soon see him here in Mexico.” 

Eva gazed in bewilderment at the madam. Could 
what she heard be true ? 

“ And the one you thought struck the blow, is not 
guilty; it was some vile wretch, who to pay some act 
of vengeance, stabbed him.” 

“ Oh my father, my father, this is happy news, to 
know I will see you again in life.” 

Madam Vistula had not been idle; she had a great 
object in view, and to reach the goal, Eva must be 
made one of the powerful tools to gain her point. 

The madam had given orders for an outfit for 
Eva, that would do credit to a princess ; nothing 
should be spared that would add to her lovely young 
beauty. 

Instead of the madam taking Eva to her father, 
she called a maid and charged her to assist Miss 
Letton to dress for a drive. Meanwhile she sent 
word for Jasper to call at another tune, as Eva was 
engaged, and would not be at liberty for some time. 

The madam was almost overcome, when Eva 
made her appearance ready for the drive; she looked 
like a young queen af beauty and grace in her ele- 


74 


M7 OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


gant carriage costume. It was with a feeling of 
pride and wonder, as she stepped into the carriage 
and was borne away. 

As they proceeded on their way, the cathedral 
attracted Eva’s attention : And the madam ordered 
the carriage to stop so they could pay a visit. They 
passed through one of the three great doorways, 
into the cathedral. 

Eva was at first awe-stricken by the immensity 
and grandeur of the interior ; but in a moment after, 
she clutched the madam’s arm, who saw her gazing 
with astonishment upon a young and handsome 
man, who was absorbed in contemplating the beau- 
ties of a statue. 

The madam looked, with eager anxiety at his 
face, which was pale and thin ; but she saw in an 
instant that it was the same as the portrait she had 
discovered so close to Eva’s heart. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


75 


CHAPTEK X. 

The madam, when she saw the object upon which 
the attention of Eya was riveted, was as much af- 
fected as her young and beautiful companion. The 
pale face of Kyle caused an agitation in her frame 
even more powerful than the recognition of the por- 
trait she had discovered in Eva’s possession had 
done. 

Although a slave to her passions, the madam, 
like most persons similarly the victims of such bane- 
ful influence, had the power of controlling their vis- 
ibility. 

At the moment she recognized Ryle she had 
hardly strength to sustain herself. Yet immedi- 
ately she was proudly erect. She hurried Eva, who 
was almost paralyzed with conflicting emotions, to 
another part of the building. With remarkable 
self-possession she proceeded to point out to her 
portions of the magniflcent edifice. Her words 
fell on unheeding ears, for Eva’s attention was too 
much distracted by the sudden meeting with Kyle, 
to be affected or moved by aught else ; when she 
was hurried from the spot where she stood — not re- 


70 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


luctantlj, for she would not have encountered him 
there, to speak with him — she had a kind of misty 
sense that the madam was describing to her the 
wonders of the great paintings ; but it was not till 
she was once more in the carriage, that she was 
conscious of her position. 

Eyle Hilliard had been in Mexico three days ; to 
him it seemed scarcely less than three years. What 
to do with himself he knew not — cared not ! He 
was surrounded with an atmosphere of gloom and 
horror which appeared impenetrable. He could 
think of nothing but the grim corpse of Jasper, 
slain by his hand, and Eva believing him to be the 
murderer of her father. He had been some time in 
the cathedral. It was one of the first places he had 
visited, and then he had entered it more by accident 
than design. Whether it was the softened light, the 
religious character of the building the sweet and 
solemn strains of sacred music, which for th e time 
alleviated the asperity of his affliction — or that it 
was the work of exhausted nature is of little import; 
he experienced more calm than he had since his 
arrival, and was able once more to chain his 
thoughts down to mark out his future. 

He was roused from his fit of abstraction by a 
hand roughlj laid upon hi& shoulder ; and a voice, 
something above a whisper, said in his ear : What, 


MT OPFtCTAL IlVSl^AirP. 


rit>, 

I 

Ryle Hilliard, are you going to tumble everything 
overboard, and change into a sculptor ? ” 

RyTe turned quickly, and exclaimed with surprise, 
‘‘ Bob Brent ? ” 

‘‘ That same young individual at your service,” 
replied a young, elegantly-dressed man, shaking him 
by the hand ; and who then added, with an air of 
concern : “ Why, my old classmate, what’s in the 
wind ? You look as white as the figure-head of the 
Flying Dutchman ! You are not going to turn par- 
son are you ? ” 

Ryle smiled, faintly, and said, as the echo of Bob 
Brent’s voice caused several persons engaged in de- 
votion to raise their heads and look at them : 
“ Come with me ! this is hardly the place to liold 
a conversation in ; and I want to have a talk with 
you. Bob.” 

“ And 1 with you, Ryle,” said Bob. 

When out in the open air. Bob said, ‘‘ Ryle, it 
seems^ when I left Hew York, your highly-respected 
but braced and trussed-up parent, was bombarding 
that moral and virtuous city with rewards for your 
recovery. And now old fellow, where are you 
bound ? ” 

“Do not ask me. Bob. I cannot — dare not 
answer you,” returned Ryle earnestly. 

“Why not, Ryle?” exclaimed Bob. “You 


78 official susbaltd. 

know me well, and I know I have a true 
friendly interest in you; you are in distress — I 
knew it as soon as I clapped my eyes on you 
in the church yonder. If you do not wish to 
make a confidant of me, of course I will not put 
another question to you ; but you will find me 
trustworthy, if you try.” 

“ Bob, I am sure of it,” replied Kyle. ‘‘ I know 
not at this moment, any one upon whom I could 
frankly and confidently rely as yourself — but you 
must excuse me at this moment. We shall see each 
other during our stay frequently, for I am stopping 
at the Yucatan House ; give me a little time then, 
most probably I will make a clean breast of it to 
you:” . 

“Be it so,” replied Bob. He was about to add 
something to this remark, when he was interrupted 
by a Sister of Charity, who stepped between him 
and Kyle. She was very fair, and looked as though 
her fiesh was made of wax, it was so transparent. 

“ Pardon me, sir ? ” she said. “ Your name is Hil- 
liard?” 

“It — it — is,” he replied, with some hesitation, 
looking at her in surprise. 

“ You are the eldest son ? ” 

He bowed. 

“ Kyle Hilliard ? ” 


Mr OFFICIAL BUSBAFD. 70 

Again he bowed. 

She appeared for an instant to be inwardly con- 
vulsed, and with a sob, said, “The Yucatan 
House is your present abode.” 

“For a short time,” responded Eyle, regarding 
her with no little astonishment. 

“Will a communication there reach you?” 
inquired the sister hurriedly. 

“ Of what nature ? ” he asked. 

“ Oh, ask not now,” she returned. “ It is of 
much importance to you. If you knew, your im- 
patience would make you mad ere it reached you. 
Adieu,” she abruptly concluded, as with a shudder 
she perceived a tall dark woman had stopped, and 
was also looking at Kyle with eager scrutiny. The 
Sister of Charity folded her veil closely round her 
as this woman approached, completely shrouding 
her features, and moved rapidly away. 

Ryle looked after the retreating figure of the 
sister, observing that she. entered the cathedral 
swiftly, as if being pursued, and then turned to 
his friend, who was looking on with some curi- 
osity. 

“ What can this mean. Bob ? ” he exclaimed. 

“ Don’t know,” he replied, “ but look, over there 
is another woman looking at you ;” and by an in- 
clination of his head he directed his attention to 


80 Mt OFPIGtAL Htl&BAKD. 

where a woman was standing regarding him with a 
fixed stare. He returned her settled gaze with a 
similiar look of inquiry, but he did not know 
her. 

Suddenly she walked toward him, and said, “ Mr. 
Kyle Hilliard, I seek an interview with you.” 

“How do you know my name, madam?” 

“Ho matter,” she replied coldly. “ I will prove 
my right to prefer this request to you, if you will 
grant me the opportunity.” 

“ I do not know you. Who are you ? ” he 
asked. 

She looked for a moment at Bob Brent, and then, 
in a low tone, said, “ Leonore Letton.” 

He staggered back, as if struck by a blow and 
gasped out, “ The mother of ” 

“ The same,” she quickly responded, not 
giving him time to utter the name of Eva. 

He drew her with some excitement, a few steps 
from his friend. 

“What have you to say to me? ” he asked. 

“ Hothing, here, see who comes ! ” she cried 
huyriedly. “ To-morrow night at eight, in the ves- 
tibule of the church — I will be there.” 

The next instant she hurried away, hastily con- 
cealing her features under her veil. 

“ Who comes ? ” 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


81 "^' 

He turned .in the direction in which she had 
looked when she uttered those words ; and there he 
saw — standing stiff as a statue, his face turned 
toward him — Jasper ! 

There could be no mistake in that grim figure — 
tall, erect — that pale, yet with the same look it had 
worn when he, with a sudden blow, swept it from 
his sight in the gloomy woods at Hilliard Hall. He 
uttered a cry, and was about to bound toward the 
object which fascinated his gaze to ascertain whether 
he, whom he stood charged with having murdered yet 
lived, when his friend suddenly caught him by the 
arm and swung him round. He stood face to face 
with a Spaniard, evidently of distinguished rank, 
both by a studied elegance of manner and perfect 
finish of dress. 

“ Allow me to introduce you to one of my eairliest 
associates, my dear friend,” exclaimed Bob ; and 
then said : “ San Juan Alzemora, permit me to pre- 
sent you to Eyle Hilliard of Hilliard Hall, Koseglen. 
You must do the rest yourselves, you know each 
other now.” 

“I am proud of the honor,” exclaimed San Juan 
in a tone calculated to be agreeable to young men 
of somewhat free manners, untrammeled by the 
conventionalities of high society. “ Your reputation 
has traveled before you, Mr. Hilliard. I was 


^2 my official husband. 

informed of you arrival, and I am indeed pleased 
that my young friend Bob has given me so early an 
opportunity of making your acquaintance, which, 
with your permission, it is my purpose to improve ; 
for I shall argue with you upon the propriety of 
putting aside for the remainder of the day, whatever 
engagement you may have made, and entreat you 
to finish it with me.” 

The eyes of Kyle during this speech wandered to 
the spot where he had seen Letton standing. He 
was convinced that it was him, he could not be so 
deceived as to mistake a stranger for him ; but he 
was gone ; his mind was in a tumult, one event hap- 
pening so rapidly upon another, it bewildered him. 
It was with the greatest difficulty he could attend 
to what was addressed to him. Bob seeing* Kyle’s 
distraction said, “ I don’t believe that Hilliard has 
any engagement and I am sure I have not. I think 
I may therefore, in the name of my friend and on 
my own part, say that we will place ourselves at 
your command.” 

“ I shall be gratified with the honor,” said Kyle. 

“ 1 was just on my way to call upon a lady friend, 
so would be delighted to have your company. I am 
sure you will be pleased with the lady. She gives 
brilliant entertainments ; the fashion and beauty of 
Mexico are present on these occasions, and I assure 


Mt official husband. 


83 


you that you will be much gratified by your 
visit.” 

‘‘ Keally, Mr. Alzemora,” exclaimed Eyle, “ I feel 
much honored ; will you favor me with the name of 
the lady ? ” 

“ Madam Vistula.” 

“ I do not know her.” 

“ She is well known in Mexico ; somewhat eccen- 
tric, beautiful, and enormously wealthy. She is 
fascinating in manner, and having formed an 
acquaintance with her, I shall be mistaken if you do 
not become a frequent guest at her house.” 

“ Of course you will go, Ryle,” exclaimed Bob. 

Ryle mused for a few moments. At first his 
impulse was to decline it — not feeling that he could 
mix in society until the question respecting Letton 
was cleared up. But he hesitated to do this for 
several reasons, the principal of which was his desire 
to avoid suspicion and questions, which seclusion 
would not fail to raise — for he, before the events 
which had happened at the Hall, had been as light 
and free-hearted as Bob himself. So he said : “ I 
cannot go with you to-day for certain reasons of my 
own ; perhaps in a few days I can accept the invita- 
tion and shall feel honored in receiving the invita- 
tions thus graciously proffered to me. Should any 
unforeseen event arise to prevent me availing my- 


u 


Mr OPffIGtAL MnSBAND. 


self of it, I hope it will be considered an event oVef 
which I have not had control.” 

The three started for a day’s amusement else- 
.where. 

At night on his return to his hotel, Kyle in pro- 
found surprise, found a letter addressed to him. He 
tore it open, and found it to be an invitation to 
Madam Vistula’s, for that day week. 

There was also another letter upon the table, 
folded, and addressed to him; he tore it open and 
read, “ Kemember your appointment in the church. 
You have much to hear that will surprise you. You 
are surrounded by wiles designed to entrap you — 
enemies who purpose your destruction. Beware ! 
Fair speech but too often is the cloak which covers 
a foul heart.” 

Kyle read and re-read this note. It was im- 
possible to divine its meaning, and he retired to 
rest, exhausted and bewildered with the events of 
the day. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


85 


. CHAPTER XI. 

The efforts to undermine Mr. Hilliard’s peace 
had already commenced, and the plot was aided by 
the accidental circumstances of Ryle falling 
passionately in love with Eva. We have yet to de- 
tail the progress of the design by which the vast 
wealth accumulated during a long minority, were 
both to be wrested from him. 

And why ? 

From one false step — one fatal error, to which 
the human race alike are subjected — and which, to 
retrieve — if ever the attempt is successful — is almost 
the labor of a life — a life which, in its passage to 
the grave does not reach its goal divested of the 
traces stamped upon it by the consequences of the 
grievous mistake. 

In the lower part of Hew York City, there is a 
house situated in a rather questionable street ; the 
house is familiarly known among a certain class, as 
the “ Thieves’ Friend. ” To this quarter, Rocco 
Giuseppi, the confidential servant of Madam "V istula 
accompanied by a short man, dressed in black; bq 


86 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


was a lawyer, and a sharp one. His name was 
Grasp. He trotted at the side of Hocco ; who, 
having deposited Jasper Letton in Mexico, was, 
according to-order, again in Hew York, on a 
special mission. 

As they walked on, Hocco said: “You are quite 
sure with respect to this man ? ’’ 

Grasp grinned. 

“ He was introduced to me by a customer upon 
whom I can rely, ” he replied with a wink. 

“You say he is prepared to swear that he saw 
Hyle Hilliard slay his father’s steward, Jasper 
Letton ; and that he is in a position to prove it ? ” 

“Ido!” 

“And it was your intention to have endeavored to 
bring that young man to the bar of justice? ” 

“Well — a — you see, that would have depended 
upon circumstances. Such was not the actual 
object of my client. You know, my dear foreign 
gentleman, that at times, very handsome sums are 
given to persons, who can do so. Again, others, 
whose silence is worth purchasing, will remain as 
still as the grave if they are properly — I say prop- 
erly — remunerated, fon.a close mouth.” 

“Well.” 

“Well, the solution is easy enough. My client 
has two weaknesses j spirits, and the fair s^x. Hq 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


has a taste for luxurious indulgence ; and he has not 
at present, money enough to gratify his appetites ; 
but he wishes to have it. Now if he were to cause 
Mr. Ryle Ililhard to be apprehended, and the fellow 
were to be tried, found guilty, and hanged, my 
client would have no better opportunity of indulging 
his expensive fancies than he has at this moment. 
But, as it is quite possible that Mr. Ryle Hilliard 
might entertain an objection to an exposure, and its 
consequent risks, my client entertained the not 
unreasonable notion, that, to avoid the disagreeable 
alternative, Mr. Ryle or his father, would invest a 
sum sufficient to enable my client to kill himself as 
fast as possible ; for, unless my client has the consti- 
tution of a rhinoceros, such must be the inevitable 
result of his proceedings. So, if put in the unlim- 
ited command of money — — ” 

“Your visit to Mr. Hilliard’s house on Fifth 
avenue, was to effect such an arrangement ? ” 

“ Decidedly. I would have endeavored, on a 
consideration — because, you know sir, the labor of 
men’s brains is worth something — to have induced 
the father to have advanced this man a good round 
sum ; showing him that by so doing he would 
effectually close the fellow’s mouth, as he would 
drink so long as the money lasted, and must die of 
excess before it had all run out,” 


88 MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND, 

‘‘ Ah ! You did not see Mr. Hilliard ? ” 

“Ho! He was out of Hew York; but the good 
lady, Edesa, who directed me to you, assured me 
that you would quite supply the place of Mr. Hil- 
liard.” 

“ She was right. I will pay you better than he 
would, and you must serve me.” 

“ In business, sir the maxim is, ‘ The best pay 
should be best served.’ Pay me well, I’ll serve you 
Well.” 

“Work body and soul for me, and your pay shall 
exceed your most avaricious expectations,” ex- 
claimed Eocco, with forcible emphasis. 

Lawyer Grasp was not religious. He banished 
the teachings given him by his parents, and took up 
with that of cheating, trickery, and getting the best 
of everybody. He knew or had heard that the 
devil walked abroad upon the earth, occasionally 
flying off suddenly with the outrageously sinful ; 
and he knew that if a list were made out of the 
worst sinners, his- name would be there in some 
part, perhaps near the top. He had- a floating re- 
membrance that there were legends in which his 
Satanic majesty was represented as offering un- 
limited Avealth to those who would work body and 
soul for him. It was when Eocco Giuseppi placed 
his sallow face close to his — glared at him with 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


89 


large black eyes possessing unnatural brilliancy, and 
hissed into his ear the promise to richly remunerate 
him if he consented to work, body and soul for 
him. 

Grasp felt a cold vibration about his scalp, which 
proceeded, by way of the nape of his neck, down to 
his very heels. 

The devil on earth was surely a fable, but then 
it might not be ; and his mysterious-looking, 
sallow-visaged companion, was by no means unlike 
the pictures he had seen of the gentleman in black, 
might have sought him out as having a claim upon 
his immortal part. 

Kocco griped him by the wrist, and he thought 
he would drop on the muddy pavement ; but in 
another moment he felt relieved on hearing the 
Italian say: “ I too, have some business to transact 
in which Mr. Handle Hilliard 'is deeply involved, 
and I need the services of a crafty, subtle lawyer, to 
accomplish the purpose I have in view. Your part 
Avill be quite legitimate, as respects your profession ; 
but I must have the strictest confidence in you, and 
you must pause at nothing to win the cause.” 

Lawyer Grasp gave a sigh of relief; and another 
glance at Kocco’s face assured him. He was not so 
like the evil one, after aU. 

‘‘ I will do all you require,” he said, with a cun- 


90 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


ning leer ; “ but it is to be understood that my 
labor is not to be paid by the scale of the usual pro- 
fessional charges.” 

“ Decidedly not. Be under no uneasiness about 
payment : that shall be all you can desire. Tell 
me — this man, Wolf Scrubb, whom we are about to 
visit, knows all the people in the village near Hil- 
liard Hall well, does he not ? ” 

“ He was born in the village I believe.” 

“ Then no doubt he knows all the inhabitants ? ” 

‘‘ The greater part of them, to a certainty.” 

That is good.” 

“ Ah ! but as far as 1 can gather, their knowledge 
of him is not fragrant. He has a reputation, it is 
true ; but I am doubtful whether, if he were to pay 
a visit there, the inhabitants would not invite the 
authorities to receive him — not with any view of 
honoring his arrival.” 

“ That is of small consequence. I care nothing 
for that ; it is information I want.” 

By this time they had reached the turn lead- 
ing to the place they were about to visit. They 
descended — for their way lay down the street— to 
the end, and then they paused before a small, 
wretched-looking house, and Imocked twice. There 
was no answer. He pushed at the door, and found 
it give, 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


91 


“Wait a moment,” he said to Eocco. “I will 
just run upstairs, and see if my client is in.” 

He dived into the dark and narrow passage, and' 
disappeared. Within a minute he reappeared at 
the very maximum of his speed, followed by a huge 
bull-dog, which appeared animated by the most 
determined intention to fasten on him, and pin him 
to the ground. He caught Eocco by the arm, and 
ran round him, followed by the dog, at a terrific 
rate ; but such was his fright and frantic speed, that 
he absolutely overtook the dog, kicked him 
violently, trod on him, and fell sprawling in the 
mud, of which in that quarter, there is always more 
than a sufiiciency. Another moment, and the dog, 
aware of his advantage, pinned him to the ground. 

Eocco shouted expletives in Italian, and struck at 
the dog with his cane, but without producing the 
slightest beneficial effect. The worst of the matter 
was that the shouts of Eocco, and the wild bark of 
the dog had attracted the attention of other dogs in 
the place, aud they commenced barking and hurry- 
ing to the scene of action to take part in it. 

At the same time heads came out of windows, 
and men out of doorways, among them, one from 
that at the door of which Grasp had knocked. He 
had his hands in his pockets, and seeing his dog 
engaged, whistled softly, not to call off the dog, but 
to express his surprise, . 


92 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


Eocco caught sight of him and shouted, “Call 
off your beast — he will kill him.” 

“ Don’t know him,” answered the man coolly. 

“ He is a lawyer ! ” screamed Eocco. 

“ So much the worse for him,” replied the man. 

“Ah! ah! but your lawyer! He is Grasp— 
Grasp, man, Grasp — you know Lawyer Grasp.” 

The man slowly drew near and looked down ; then 
he saw Grasp’s face^ and heard him yell, “ Buxton, 
call off your dog ! Call him off ! — he’ll murder me, 
call him off.” 

“ Well, well ! ” cried Buxton, with another whistle ; 
“ It’s himself, and no mistake.” 

He took a fierce grip of the dog’s neck with one 
hand, while with the other he seized his tail and 
drew it toward his mouth, and instantly indented it 
as hard as he could. The dog retained his hold for 
an instant, and then with a howl he let go. The 
moment he did so the man flung him some distance, 
kicked him in the ribs, and cried, “ Get in, Toby ! Go 
in, you brute ! Hot know a gentleman from a 
tramp ! ” / 

Lawyer Grasp was now conducted into the house. 
He was covered with mud, but fortunately for him, 
the dog had seized upon the collar of his coat, Avhich 
was much torn ; the lawyer himself was not hurt, 
only ' frightened. 


My official MusLanl. 


93 ,, 


When something like equanimity was restored, 
Eocco desired the company of Wolf. 

After some delay, he made his appearance. He 
was recovering from a debauch obtained from the 
proceeds of a burglary ; his hair rough and his face 
dirty, his eyes bloodshot. Eocco shrank from him ; 
a more fearful ruffian he had never encountered. 
Still he was necessary to the purpose he had in view, 
and it would not admit of being frustrated. 

After preliminary introductions and some expla- 
nations were entered into. Wolf — quite unconscious 
that Eocco and his companions down at Hilliard 
Hall, with a very different object, had removed the 
body of jasper Letton, gave his version of what he 
considered to be the murder. It was, in substance 
the ^ame as that which he had repeated to Mr. 
Hilliard, but grossly exaggerated. When he had 
concluded, Eocco said : 

“We must at present let the matter rest alto- 
gether.” 

“ But what am I to do for gilt ? I can’t starve ! ” 
cried Wolf. 

“ Leave that to me,” replied Eocco : “ I will sup- 
ply you with money ; but understand, as I will for 
some time require your services, I will only let you 
have enough to keep you sober and respectable. 
When our cause is gained and we triumph, then you 
shall receive a very large sum of money.” 


Mr official ECSBANi). 


04 

The ruffian shook his head. | 

‘‘ When I ” he repeated with emphasis. “ It may | 
last till doomsday ! I’m for short life and a merry 
one ! shan’t wait !*” 

“ The cause must be won or lost at no distant 
date,” urged Eocco. 

‘‘ What is the cause ? ” he asked. 

“Why, to prove that Mr. Hilliard is not the 
rightful owner of Hilliard estate.” 

“ And how’ll you do it ? ” sneered Wolf. 

“ Leave that to me. You are acquainted with all 
the people around the estate and the adjoining 
village ? ” 

“ I should think so.” 

“ Are there any who can remember what took 
place forty years ago ? ” 

“ A few. Most of them were babies about that 
time, I was.” 

“ Those few are old people, of course ? ” 

“ Of course.” 

“ They are to be got away, I presume, or 
silenced.” 

“ Yes ; but I ain’t going to do no scragging job, I 
can tell you.” 

“ I shall not want you,” returned Eocco quickly. 

“ What I want of you is to give me the names and 
the history of those persons residing in* or near 


My official irusBAWD. 


9o 


Hilliard estate who are likely to recollect the cir- 
cumstances which may have happened in the first 
years of Mr. Hilliard’s infancy. They must either 
be bought to swear whatever we may put into their 
mouths, or they must be made to emigrate. You 
understand ? ” 

“ They must be prevented, you see, my dear Mr. 
Scrubb,” exclaimed Lawyer Grasp, a little hoarsely, 
“ from appearing for the other side ; so that Mr. 
Hilliard will find the greatest possible dilRculty in 
proving that he is himself.” 

“ Oh, I see,” said ^Wolf. “ Then what you want 
me to do is to tog myself out decently, go there and 
keep sober, come the reformed dodge, be very 
’spectable in my ’pearance, and sound all the folks 
I know as to whether they will, on being tipped, 
learn a lesson and say it afore a judge.” 

“You have exactly hit it, my friend.” 

“ Yes,” observed Eocco, “ that will be one part of 
your duty, certainly ; but there will be other things 
required of you.” 

“ Oh, I daresay ! You’ve got the rightful heir, 
of course.” 

Eocco hesitated. 

“ To be sure ! to be sure ! ” cried Grasp. 

“ That’s a pity,” said Wolf. 

“Why?” exclaimed Eocco and Grasp at thQ 
same time. 


MY OPFICIAL HUSBAND. 


i)6 

“Because I know of one who’d be a stunner for 
that game.” 

“ Who is he ? ” asked both in a breath. 

“ A couple of dollars and I’ll drop it to you.” 

Grasp was driving the bargain and handed Wolf 
the money, saying, “ If we don’t consider the per- 
son, you will return the money now in your hands.” 

Having pocketed the money Wolf said; “You 
see the last Mr. Hilliard was, when a young man 
just afore he came of age, a wild chap, rather ; and 
there was a pretty girl in our village, named Leo- 
nore. It was said that she was in love with the 
young man and he in love with her. When he was 
in Hew York, just afore his marriage, Leonore was 
in Hew York too, and it was said she married a 
man by the name of Menton, just abont the same 
time that Mr. Hilliard married. Mr. Menton died 
about sixteen months after the marriage and Leo 
nore came back to her mother ; and in regular time 
she had a child — a boy.” 

“ Good,” said Kocco. 

“ Well, about the same time Mrs. Hilliard had a 
child — a boy, too ; and as she was delicate, her hus- 
band got her to send for Leonore Menton to the 
Hall, and she was wet-nurse to the two boys — con- 
sequently, they were foster brothers.” 

“ Admirable, my friend,” exclaimed Eocco 
“ And this foster-brother, where is he ? ” 


M7 OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


97 


“ Why, he was a little rackety when a boy — we 
was boys together — but he was unlucky, and the 
government sent him to Sing-Sing. But he served 
his time out, and has been back here a little while, 
looking out for a lay. I’ll bring him to you any 
time you l^ce to name.” 

“Is he like Mr. Hilliard?” 

^ “ As two peas. He’d make just as good a one as 
the other.” 

“ What is his present name ? ” 

“ Jerry Menton.” 

“ And his mother ? ” 

“ She is in Hilliard Tillage.” 

“ Any other family ? ” 

“One — a daughter, named after her mother, 
who’s not been seen for years. Mrs. Menton is old 
and might be flurried into the belief that she 
changed the children by accident. I know a 
woman, the right age, who’ll swear she saw it done, 
if you tip her.” 

“ Secure her ! It shall be done ! ” exclaimed 
Kocco. “ But first bring to me, at the rooms of 
-Lawyer Grasp, your friend Jerry Menton. He will 
enter into the scheme I suppose ? ” 

“Bather! I’ll bring him. Let’s see— this is 
Monday. What do you say to Friday night at 
eight ? ” 


98 


Mr OFFICIAL MU3BAMD. 


“ That will do. I will be there,” said Eocco. 

‘‘ At the same time I will furnish you with money 
and instructions ; but you must keep sober.” 

‘‘All right,” said Wolf. 

And so they rose and took their departure, 
Lawyer Grasp to return to his rooms, to execute 
and form documents ; and Eocco to hold a confer- 
ence with Signor Sibino Danato. 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


90 


CHAPTEE XII. 

Let us return to the movements of Mr. Randle 
Hilliard, Ryle’s father. 

Upon his arrival in Mexico, he made his way to 
President Colima, with whom he was well ac- 
quainted, having in years past been on terms of 
intimate friendship with him, and upon inquiry he 
found him at home and alone. 

The servant on ushering Mr. Hilliard into the 
presence of the president, he, briefly announcing 
Mr. Hilliard, retired, and a tall, elderly gentleman, 
advanced in years, but the very ideal of a man in 
high author it}^, rose up from a table at which he 
was seated writing, and, extending his hand to the 
caller, said : “ Mr. Hilliard, I am glad to renew an 
acquaintance which has been interrupted for years, 
checked from some fault of mine or yours. If I am 
to blame, believe me, the business of my country 
has so absorbed my constant attention, that I have 
not had an opportunity of cultivating and improv- 
ing an intimacy with a dear friend ; if the cause 
rests with you, sit down, and explain to me why I 
have not seen you, heard from, or of you for years.” 


MT OWICIAL HUSBAND. 


ICO 

“ I respond to your kind welcome, Colima,” re-, 
plied Mr. Hilliard, “ for I am glad again to see you 
after so long a separation. I doubt if either are to 
blame, that we have not met or corresponded for 
so long a time. Do you remember our last meet- 
ing, Colima ? ” asked Handle, in a subdued voice, a 
slight quiver perceptible in it. 

“ Let us talk of the present,” said the president. 
“ The past has bitterness for the best of us, even 
though it gilds the agreeable and softens the afflict- 
ing.. What brings you to Mexico? Hot the simple 
desire to see me, of course, but perhaps some matter 
in which I can be of service to you.” 

You have guessed it ; I am here upon an impor- 
tant errand, and I come to you to help me.” 

“ Command me.” 

“ I wish to be known here by a different name 
than Hilliard.” 

“ A different name ? ” 

“ Yes. I have a powerful motive for preserving 
a strict incognito.” 

“ Handle, you are about to resuscitate matters 
long since buried. Will this be wise? ” 

“ Colima, I am forced to the course I am pur- 
suing ; I am compelled to the step I am taking.” 

“ And perhaps not. Have you taken counsel on 
the policy of your present move ? ” 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


101 


“ Of my own heart.” 

“ In personal matters, generally the worst guide 
you can follow. Will you submit your case to me ? 
I will give my best advice — quite conscious, by the 
way, that it is a donation freely, frankly, and usually 
sincerely offered, but very rarely accepted.” 

“ I am anxious to explain my position to you ; and 
most ready to profit hy your counsel.” 

“ Proceed.” 

“ You remember Madam Vistula ” 

“*Yes ! A woman not lightly to be forgotten. 
What a wonderful diplomatist she would have made; 
she would have eclipsed the subtle intriguante, the 
Princess Lienen. Ah ! I remember you managed to 
make her your enemy. How was that ? — it has es- 
caped me.” 

Kandle reddened to the tips of his ears. “ The 
occasion of our disunion is not to the purpose at 
this moment,” he said hastily. “ Let it suffice, she 
became my relentless enemy ; but I believed by a 
fearful stroke of affliction that befell me, her ma- 
lignity was sated. I have been in error. She has 
been quiet only to perfect schemes to compass my 
destruction. She has commenced putting into oper- 
ation the plan she has been so long preparing ; al- 
ready am I beginning to feel the deadly character 
of her machinations ; and unless I am active and 


102 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


prompt, ias well as secret, in my efforts to .counter- 
act her arts, I shall be enmeshed in her web, and 
utterly destroyed, without the power to save my- 
self.” 

“ Remarkable skill in artifice has Madam Vistula. 
I had once a passage with her, but she decidedly 
defeated me, and to her success I probably owe the 
fact of not being at this instant an inmate of 
paradise, or limbo, at least,” said Colima. 

‘‘ The madam resides here yet ? ” 

“ She does, at the house on the banks of the Tiver 
Panuco; I have visited there.” 

“ And I, unhappily.” 

“ To be sure, and will again.” 

Randle Hilliard shuddered. 

“ Hever ! ” he said emphatically. 

“ So I said once in respect to a siren who had 
tricked me; but my ‘never’ was of twenty -four 
hours’ duration. Why, Randle you are walking with 
your eyes open, and your wings folded, in this 
creature’s web ! Do you presume the spider will 
not see you, and visit you ? ” 

“I will not walk into the web, for my eyes are 
wide open to avoid it ; nor will I let the spider know 
me, Colima ; for that purpose do I apply to you for 
help?” ^ . 

“You are about to try your sldll in disguises. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


' ' loa 


This woman will be a match for you at this game. 
I am afraid you do not know her rightly yet.’’ 

‘‘ I know her cruel subtlety but too well.” 

‘‘ Do you know San Juan Alzemora ’i ” 

« ! ” 

“ Ah ? you have something to learn, I see. Well, 
he is a man scrupulously to avoid. There is a con- 
nection between him and Madam Vistula I do not 
altogether comprehend; He is not her cavaliere 
servante^ yet he is her humble servant ever. 
Should he know of your arrival, it would be the 
same as though you were to confront the madam 
and say to her, with a bow, ‘ Your humble serv- 
ant, nrndam, here I am in Mexico, at your ser- 
vice.’ And should one of her domestics follow you, 
wherever you went, she would not be more accu- 
rately apprised of your movements than she will, 
should San Juan Alzemora become acquainted with 
your presence in Mexico. How, Handle, let me 
know what you consider to be the proofs of the 
madam’s renewal of her efforts to avenge, what I 
suppose she esteems her wrongs.” 

^‘Iler wrongs! ” 

“ Well that is not to the purpose. Every woman 
has her ‘wrongs:’ no matter how much she may 
deserve the treatment she receives, her own cul- 
pability is never tak^H into account. If sbe doQ§ 


104 my official husband. 

not have her own ww precisely — dress ^ as she 
pleases — indulge in every species of gayety for 
which she feels inclined — she is wronged. Every 
check to her whims — every curb upon extravagant 
fancies is put down as wrong. Summed up, they 
make a total of iniquities which she rarely fails to 
nurse, dandle and hold up before your eyes whenever 
occasion offers — even when it does not offer. These 
are her wrongs ! — few women are without them. 
Ask them, they are at least honest in this. They 
will say yes, at once. Oh ! to be sure the madam has 
had her wrongs ; but she is one of the few women 
who avenges them with relentless animosity and 
persecution — but I interrupt your relation. Go on 
Eandle, and remember, the less reticence you dis- 
play, the greater perhaps my power to serve you.” 

Eandle related to him the circumstances of his 
son Eyle falling in love with Eva Letton — of his 
own decided opposition to it — of the struggle 
between Eyle and Jasper Letton in the woods — the 
mysterious disappearance of the body of Jasper — 
the story of Wolf — the subsequent startling depart- 
ure of Eva — the flight of his son, and his fruitless 
efforts to discover him — of the discovery of the 
detective, of the departure from ISTew York of the 
woman he had encountered in the cottage, and as 
far as he could judge, Eva~and subsequently, the 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


105 


appearance of Letton, yet suffering from the effects 
of his wound, together with his taking passage for 
Mexico with an agent of the madam’s. As yet 
there was nothing definite in the attack, but there 
was the strong foreshadowing of what was in store. 

“In short,” said President Colima, “the out- 
works are being assaulted previous to the storming 
of the citadel.” 

“ Exactly. Now let us see how the case stands. 
That man, W olf, is a liar and a scoundrel — ^no doubt 
the man who stabbed the steward.” 

“ He ? — why ? ” 

“ Some old grudge. It is, at least, far more prob- 
able than that a well bred young gentleman should 
commit the act of an assassin.” 

“ Thank you, Colima — thank you, my friend,” ex- 
claimed Handle, tears starting to his eyes. “ Such 
an expression in my mind of one so clear-sighted as 
yourself, is a vast relief to my heart, borne down 
by the weight of fear that my boy would be guilty 
in a fit of frenzy, of so dastardly a deed.” 

“ That, in his passion, he felled him to the 
ground, I doubt not,” said Colima; “but then he 
passed on without looking at him, I would swear. 
However, let us go on. Your steward has been in 
the pay of Madam Vistula ; all your doings of the 
past few years are known to her; the girl, his 


106 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


daughter, may be a tool set on to decoy and cap- 
ture your son.” 

‘‘ I cannot think that to be true, Colima.” 

“ I would rather believe it is not ; we must not 
overlook her sudden disappearance from the cot- 
tage. The flight of your son I look upon as a natu- 
ral consequence. He went abroad. Houghing for 
awhile to wipe off all painful impressions, and he 
will return ready to meet your views in an alliance 
— for a marriage with this girl is not to be thought 
of.” 

After further summing up the case as it stood, he 
confessed that there was reason to believe that 
Madam Vistula intended mischief, and that she must 
be fought with her own weapons. 

“But Randle, you cannot do this unaided. You 
know Mexico well.” 

“ Alas, too well ! ” 

“ That is something ; but it is needful that you 
should have a companion more keen, acute, subtile 
and unscrupulous than yourself. I know such a 
man, whose aid will be invaluable to you. We will 
take some refreshment, and then we will seek him. 
You may place implicit confldence in him. He is 
bound to me .to the extent of his life ; he can serve 
you well and faithfully, and will do so, under my 
inspiration.” 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


107 


Mr. Hilliard thanked him wai^mly, he jumped at 
the proposition ; it was exactly what he required — 
what he wished ; but he knew of no one to trust — 
no one competent to help him, and he was much 
gratified at the prospect of obtaining such an indi- 
vidual. 

Kefreshment was served up, and during the time 
it was being partaken of, Mr. Hilliard’s mind was 
completely taken up by the subject on which he 
was personally interested. 

After the two gentlemen had partaken of the re- 
past, they started out in search of the individual, 
whom the president had promised would be of so 
great Jielp to Mr. Hilliard. After walking some 
distance, they turned down a narrow quiet street 
and paused before a tall house. Having obtained 
admission, they proceeded slowly and quietly up the 
third flight of stairs, and stopped before a door at 
which President Colima gave three taps. The 
door was opened by a young girl who greeted the 
president with a smile. 

“ Ah ! my little Elsie, is that you ? ” 

‘^Yesl it is my poor little self, at your 
service.” 

“ That is good. Is your worthy uncle, Ureas 
Morelia, at home ? ” 

Ah ! yes, he is never denied to you, you are his 


108 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


friend, Avhom he esteems; he is always proud to see 
you, I will announce you.” 

She soon returned, and led the way through a 
couple of rooms into a sleeping apartment, and clos- 
ing a door carefully after her, she approached the 
wall, which was marked with oaken paneling; 
touching a spring, one of the panels flew open, and 
disclosed a small apartment beyond. Into this the 
president and Mr. Hilliard made their way ; the 
panel glided back to its place, leaving the girl Elsie 
in the sleeping apartment. 

The tenant of this singular room was a tall, thin 
man, with a pale face. His hair was very short, his 
eyebrows were thin and light, he had no hair on his 
face, he had a close-fitting black gown on, some- 
thing like a priest’s cassock. His eyelids appeared 
red from close study, and his appearance was that 
of a man of science, who buried his life in perusing 
works of abstruse nature, and of pondering inces- 
santly to find out what it was not possible to dis- 
cover. 

He made a profound bow to the president, 
expressed his pleasure at the honor of this visit and 
awaited in silence his commands, prepared to obey 
them as far as he could. 

“ This is my friend, Mr. Handle Hilliard. You 
must serve him as you would me ; in doing so faith- 


My OFFTGlAt husband. loo 

fully you will find how much .you will please 
me.” _ 

“ Let my life answer for the zeal I will display in 
his service/’ returned Morelia. 

“ That is enough ! ” exclaimed^ Colima. “ I am 
aware that you are acquainted with all parts of 
Mexico, you know many of its inhabitants, both 
among the higher classes and the lower, and know 
how to avail yourself of their interest when you 
require it. You know San Juan Alzemora ? ” 

Ureas Morelia’s eyes fell, his eyebrows con- 
tracted, and his teeth slightly grated together. The 
movement of his features was but slight, but it 
unfolded much. 

“ I do know him.” 

“ I do not mean by repute or superficially, but 
you are acquainted with his inner nature, Morelia,” 
said Colima, expressively. 

“ I am ; his craftiness is not better known to him- 
*self.” 

‘‘ You know Madam Vistula, Morelia ? ” 

There was the same convulsion of features, only 
this time more apparent, in the face of Morelia. 
Still he had such command over his emotions that 
the muscles of his face appeared only to suifer. 

“I do, sir; I know her and all connected with 
her. I need tell you no more than that I know all 


110 M7 OFMCIAL HUSBAliifi). 

it can^ possibly be of advantage to know respecting 
her.” 

“ Good,” replied Colima. “ Now mark me, More- 
lia, my friend, Mr. Hilliard, in times past offended 
Madam Vistula, and roused her hatred.” 

“ She never forgives,” exclaimed Morelia, “ nor 
forgets, until blood has flowed over the conceived 
injury.” 

“Madam Vistula has commenced putting into 
operation some plot she has formed, and my friend 
would endeavor to counteract her schemes. He 
will disguise himself and endeavor, by finding out 
at her headquarters the springs she sets in motion, 
to intercept them before they reach the objects 
intended to be injured by them ; do you under- 
stand?^” 

“ Clearly.” 

“ I wish you to accompany him, to advise, sug- 
gest, to act ; it must not be known to any that he 
is in Mexico. I place the whole affair in your skill- 
ful hands ; Mf^. Hilliard will put you in possession of 
the circumstances that have happened without 
reserve. You will then know what to do for the 
best, and as you counsel so will he be guided.” 

“ When are we to begin ? ” 

“ To-morrow morning if possible,” said Mr. 
Hilliard. 


Mt OFFICIAL linSBAFb. 


Ill 


“No,” exclaimed Morelia, “we will wait until 
to-morrow night. You will leave the whole of your 
wardrobe in the president’s house ; I will provide 
you with a costume in which you will be good 
enough to .attire yourself at the residence of the 
president. I will be at your service at seven 
to-morrow evening, and be not surprised, if you find 
me in no point resemble Ureas Morelia now before 
you.” 

Colima laughed. 

“Come,” said he to Hilliard, “we will leave 
Morelia to his preparations. At seven we will 
expect you.” 

“ At seven I will be with you, and in the mean- 
time I will secure rooms for us and bid adieu to my 
friends.” 

As soon as they were once more in the street, 
Colima hailed a coupe, and they returned to the 
president’s residence. 


112 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


CHAPTEK XIII. 

‘‘ I HAVE written for you,’’ said Colima, “ a very 
strong letter to an English gentleman, a friend of 
mine ; he resides in the eastern part of Mexico. He 
will, with the exception of Ureas Morelia be the 
only person here acquainted with your real name. 
I must warn you to keep down your patrician feel- 
ings. It will be necessary for you to hold them in 
the tightest subjection; for Morelia will act his 
part to perfection. He will never remember that 
you are in reality a gentleman. So long as you act 
in concert together, you will be to all interests and 
purposes his secretary ; and you must not forget 
this — he will treat you as such even when alone — 
that is, seemingly alone ; for in Mexico it is difficult 
to know when you are out of the reach of ears you 
desire not to fill with what you may utter. He will 
tell you when you may speak freely and with safety. 
Never attempt to do so unless he should first say 
it will not be dangerous. You will have to come in 
contact, face to face, with those who have eagles’ 
eyes, and detect assumed characters only too quickly. 


Mr OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


U3 


Be prepared to master all emotion; and present 
always to the searching glance, an expression 
of countenance at once blank and impertur- 
bable.” 

“I will strive to follow your instructions,” re- 
plied Hilliard. “ It w^ould be madness to do other- 
wise, seeing how much I have at stake. Tell me, 
as I shall be thrown much with him, would it not 
be as well to be in possession of some of the ante- 
cedents of Ureas Morelia? By the aid of such 
knowledge I may be enabled with more confidence 
to sustain my assumed character.” 

“ There is no necessity for it. This much I will 
tell you. I have a suspicion that he is a native of 
Mexico, although he claims to be a Spaniard. 
With his early life I am unacquainted. Of the latter 
portion of it I know all. He is a most valuable 
agent of mine ; has been extremely serviceable to 
me and very faithful ; at the same time more skillful 
than any other secret servant I ever employed. 
Purely political the actions of the past, it can serve 
no useful purpose to tell you more than that you 
will find him eminently serviceable, and one more 
calculated to effect the object you have in view, 
than any other person you could have selected.” 

With this assurance Mr. Hilliard was compelled 
to be satisfied, and he retired to rest, prepared on 


114 


MY OFFICIAL HVSBANi). 


the mdrrow to enter upon the new phase his affairs 
were taking. 

Immediately after he had retired, President 
Colima rung the bell ; and when the servant 
appeared, he said, Send James to me. ” 

The man disappeared. 

In less than three minutes, a man clad decidedly 
in English-cut clothes, made his appearance. His face 
Was round and fleshy, his nose somewhat full, and 
like his lips, large. The expression of his features 
was what might be termed jolly ; and his general 
appearance that to an ordinary observer would have 
denoted a man of very moderate qualifications ; but 
there was a quick movement of his small, bright 
black eyes, which revealed that he was possessed 
of acuteness and penetration in rather an extensive 
degree. 

Announcing himself, he stood perfectly motion- 
less, while he received his instructions from 
President Colima. 

‘‘James you will leave by the first boat starting 
for Hew York City, and on your arrival there, take 
lodgings in the neighborhood of Fifth avenue, as 
near Hilliard mansion as you can ; make acquaint- 
ances with the male servants — or female, for they 
know most — and let me know from day to day what 
is going on there, who comes and who goes — there 


My OYFICTAL HUSnAND. 


115 


must be no exception, you understand — ^from the 
highest to the lowest, the visitor, the groceryman, 
the servant, the beggar ; and endeavor to ascertain 
the motive, ostensible and secret, with which such 
visit is paid. Use your accustomed sagacity, James, 
and rely upon my appreciation of it. ” 

James bowed and disappeared. 

Toward evening on the following day. President 
Colima summoned Mr. Hilliard into a boudoir, and 
there introduced him to a perruquier, who quickly 
clipped his hair close, fitted him to a wig, trimmed 
and shaved his whiskers into an entirely different 
shape, dyed them and his eyebrows and made them 
turn out of their natural cuiVe, and then he retired. 
Mr. Hilliard donned his secretary’s garb, which was 
simply the dress of a gentleman, but so cut and 
arranged as to make him look an entirely different 
individual. As he surveyed himself, in a full-length 
pier-glass, he could hardly help looking behind him 
for the person there reflected, and was quite satisfied 
with the change. 

He returned to the parlor, and as the clock chimed 
seven, the door was thrown open, and a servant 
announced : 

“ Honorable Judge Mountemorris.” 

Mr. Hilliard was electrified. Instead of the thin 
pale being he had seen in Ureas Morelia, he per- 


116 


MT OPFIGIAL HUSBAND. 


ceived a well-porportioned man enter the room, ele^ 
gantly dressed. His features wore a smiling air, his 
luxuriant hair was shining and curly, his whiskers 
beginning almost with a single hair, increased until 
they entirely covered his chin. Upon his upper lip 
was a mustache. The other appointments were 
faultless, and he looked the honorable to perfection, 
Mr. Hilliard could not credit that this was Ureas 
Morelia. He was reassured by the newcomer say- 
ing: 

“ Mr. Walter Yan Scott, I presume you have per- 
fected your arrangements. My people have borne 
the baggage we shall take with us to our rooms ; it 
will be as well to finish 'your interview with Presi- 
dent Colima, and we will then go to them.’’ 

Hot a tone, a gesture, and inflexion of the voice, 
bore the smallest resemblance to those of Ureas 
Morelia, and Mr. Hilliard could not help, in the 
gratification he felt at his admirable disguise catch- 
ing his hand and pressing it. 

The Honorable Judge snatched it away and put it 
to his lips. “ In your admiration of the abilities of 
others,” said President Colima, “ You must not 
forget the claim upon your own, Mr. Hilliard. Ke- 
member your warning.” 

After the interchange of some suggestions in 
in respect to future communications, the friends took 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


. 117 


leave of each other, and were soon in a carriage 
alone. 

“ I may speak a few words in my real person 
here, I presume ? ” 

‘‘ You may,” said Morelia ; “ but I advise you to 
be careful how you exercise that privilege. If you 
should do so at a time in a manner likely to lead to 
a discovery, I will vanish from your side, no more to 
return to it, as completely as though at best I were 
but an apparition.” 

Mr. Hilliard assented, observing: 

“ I wish to know if your acquaintance with 
Madam Yistula led to any event which has raised a 
spirit of hatred in your heart, and of revenge in 
hers ? ” 

“ Ask me not now. There may cornea time when 
you may know all ! I have hurried my own griefs 
and wrongs, and live now, and act only for others. 
Be assured of this, that you could not have selected 
one more directly interested in thwarting the designs 
of this cruel and heartless woman than myself.” 
He sank back in the carriage as though to prevent 
further conversation. 

By some means, of which Mr. Hilliard was not 
cognizant, it was known all over Mexico — to use a 
questionable expression — that the Honorable Judge 
Montemorris, a wealthy gentleman was on a visit to 


118 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


Mexico,' and that very day the cards of the wealthy, 
and the distinguished were left at his residence. 
Alone, Mr. Hilliard presented himself at the house 
of Mr. Temple, the English gentleman for whom he 
had a letter of introduction, and, with some diffi- 
culty obtained an interview with him. 

There were three or four persons in the room 
when he handed Mr. Temple his letter, and who all 
watched intently for the shape his features might 
take, while he perused the missive ; but there was 
no indication that the contents in the slightest de- 
gree affected him. He read with complete impassi- 
bility of countenance every word ; and when he 
had ended, he looked up at Mr. Hilliard, who en- 
deavored to look cold and immoveabl§ too, and said : 
‘‘ You are Mr. Walter Van Scott ? ” 

“ I am. ” 

“ Secretary to Honorable Judge Montemorris, 
newly arrived in Mexico ? ” 

“ The same.” 

Mr. Temple took up a pen, and wrote, with 
rapidity, a few words upon a sheet of note-paper. 
He folded it up closely — put it into an envelope and 
sealed it — addressed it — and handing it, said ; 

“ You give this to Honorable Judge Montemorris, 
you will say that he will be pleased to open it 
immediately when you reach j^our residence,” 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


119 


There was a slightly percep table difference in the 
annunciation of the last seven words. The quick 
ear of Mr. Hilliard caught them ; but he exhibited 
no outward sign that he comprehended the spirit of 
what was said to him. He took the letter, and 
with a bow retired, as he heard Mr. Temple say to 
one of the gentleman present — “ If what you aver 
be true, sir, my friend here San. Juan Alzemora, is 
laboring under a falsed impression.” 

Mr. Hilliard looked under his eyebrows, and saw 
San Juan Alzemora, to whom Mr. Temple was ex- 
tending his hand, and at a glance, felt he should 
know him again whenever they. met. He observed 
too, that the eyes of Alzemora were upon him with 
a most penetrating expression ; but he kept his 
rigidity of features and his cold constrained manner. 
Their eyes met ; but Mr. Hilliard turned his away 
with indifference — an uneasy impression, crossing 
him that a suspicion had been already raised in the 
mind of Alzemora that Hilliard was not what he 
seemed. 

He made his way back ; and when alone in his 
own room, and convinced as well he could be, that 
he was not observed, he opened the note addressed 
by Mr. Temple to the Honorable Judge Montemorris. 
It ran thus : 

“ Keturn here in two hours. Come openly ; pre- 
g^nt to me a letter j await the rest/’ 


120 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


He descended to the apartment where the Judge 
was engaged in writing. 

Judge Montemorris,” he said, “ the enclosed note 
was handed to me by Mr, Temple. You will be 
good enough to write a reply, which I will bear to 
him.’’ 

The Judge perused it, and immediately scratched 
a dozen lines upon a sheet a paper, and handing it 
over to the pseudo Walter Yan Scott exclaimed : 
“ you will copy that, and convey your copy, after I 
have signed it to Mr. Temple.” 

He rose from the table, and from a magnificent 
cigar case, took a cigar, and with Mr. Temple’s note 
lighted it ; but the cigar was obstinate and would 
not ignite, until every particle of Mr. Temple’s note 
was consumed. Upon reaching Mr. Temple’s oifice, 
Mr. Hilliard fulfilled his instructions, and was once 
more ushered in the presence of Mr. Temple, who 
was this time alone. Closing the door carefully, he 
ushered Mr. Hilliard into an inner room and closing 
that door also ; then he said, “ Mr. Yan Scott, the 
letter for President Colima has acquainted me with 
all necessary for me to know. You shall have my 
best help, but it must not be known that any com- 
muning between you and I takes place. Hever seek 
me. I will always let you know when and where 
to see me. But should you require from me at anj’ 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


121 


moment prompt or instant aid, the use of the words 
‘ Freedom for the Free ’ addressed to my secretary, 
or if he should not be here, and the time night to 
the porter, will command access to me. You have 
a most subtle foe, but a most able assistant at your 
elbows. May ypu succeed in foiling the machina- 
tions directed against your peace.” But little more 
was said, and Mr. Hilliard returned to his resi- 
dence. 

He found upon his return, San Juan Alzemora 
closeted with the Honorable Judge, and he was 
introduced to Alzemora as his secretary. “ We have 
met before, I think,” exclaimed Alzemora, fastening 
his eyes intently upon the secretary. 

The latter met his eyes firmly, and replied coldly, 
‘‘ I am not conscious of having had that horror.” 

“ At Mr. Temple’s, I think ! ” observed Alzemora, 
much in the same peculiar tone. 

“ I visited Mr. Temple this morning upon busi- 
ness, for the Honorable Judge,” returned Mr. Hil- 
liard. 

“ Ah ! ” said Alzemora, dissatisfied with the 
answer, but assuming an air of indifference, “ I was 
there on your arrival.” Then turning to the judge, 
he said, “ we were speaking of Madam Vistula. Do 
you know that she has been for some years 
secluded ?’” 


122 


M7 OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


“ Don’t know her,” drawled the judge. 

“ Ah ! you must make her acquaintance. She is 
one of the most remarkable women in Mexico.” 

‘‘Indeed! Old?” 

“ Ho. At least, not what women consider old, 
climacteric ‘ old 

“ Handsome ? ” 

“ Has been lovely ; is still beautiful, and looks 
young, though she must approach forty.” 

“Ah! rather the shady side of a woman’s life 
Alzemora, to suit my taste.” 

“She has a jom\g jprotege with her, whose loveli 
ness will compensate for any shortcomings of the 
madam’s, both in youth, beauty — and loveliness.” 

“ Spanish, of course ? ” 

“ Ho, American. ” 

“ American ! Keally, Alzemora, you interest me. 
A beautiful young American girl is an immense 
attraction. I am delighted with beautiful American 
girls, as I am of the choicest efforts of the sculptor. 
She is a blonde, is she not ? ” 

“ A blonde, judge, of the fairest and most delicate 
kind.” 

“ Exquisite ! I would wager an estate. A lovely 
creature, tied to a hideous name, we may be sure. 
Horrible names the Americans glory in. ” 

“Her name is Evangeline Letton. Miss Eva 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


123 


Letton is the manner Americans have of pronounce- 
ing it. ’’ 

Had an arrow been shot through the heart of 
Mr. Hilliard he could hardly have been more 
affected by the utterance of this name. Fortu- 
nately, the eyes of Alzemora were not upon him, and 
he was able to suppress his emotion. 

The nonchalance of the judge, who knew this to 
be the young girl with whom Kyle Hilliard had 
fallen in love, was admirable. He repeated two or 
three times Eva Letton. “Ah! Alzemora you will 
be kind enough to present me to her ? ” 

“ With pleasure, judge. The madam visits the 
opera to-night. Miss Letton’s father will accompany 
her. My box is at your service. ” 

“You overwhelm me with obligations, Alzemora ; 
but I have already secured a box for the rest of the 
season. I will thank you for the introduction 
only. ’’ 

“You shall have it. ” 

The judge bowed his acknowledgements, and 
turning to the secretary said: “ Mr. Yan Scott, you 
will accompany me to-night ; I may require you. ” 

The secretary bent in acquiescence, and shortly 
after Mr. Alzemora retired. 

That night Mr. Hilliard sat in the judge’s box 
prepared to undergo a tremendous ordeal, He 


124 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


awaited with patience the arrival of Madam Vistula, 
whose box the judge had pointed out to him. 

At length she appeared, superbly attired, in black 
with duchess lace. Her head, her neck, her arms, 
her fingers glittering with diamonds; her skin 
dazzlingly fair, and her features handsome and bear- 
ing no sign that more than thirty happy summers 
had passed over her head. 

By her side sat Eva Letton in a dress of pale blue 
satin, trimmed with silver. She wore few ornaments ; 
she did not need them she was so fair and lovely 
without intrinsic aid. 

Mr. Hilliard gazed upon her with beaming eyes 
and throbbing heart. He wondered not at the 
passion of his son for this extremely beautiful girl ; 
and his heart died within him at the prospect of 
weaning him from his adoration of so sweet a face. 

A buzz of admiration at her enchanting beauty 
ran through the house, almost immediately she was 
seated, and Mr. Hilliard was so fascinated that he 
could not remove his eyes from her. 

Suddenly a hand was laid upon his shoulder, and 
a voice hissed in his ear : “A most charming 
creature this young American girl. Miss Letton ! is 
she not Mr. Van Scott ? ” 

He turned, and saw at his side, scrutinizing him 
with a searching expression, San Juan Alzemora. 


Mt OFFICIAL BUSBANII. 


15o 


CHAPTEE XIY. 

Signor Sabino Danato had well calculated the 
effect of such words as he addressed to Clare Hil- 
liard, would have upon her mind. A quick and keen 
reader of female character, he had no difficulty in 
becoming master of her innocent nature. It was 
easy to discover how pure her mind was, how chaste 
her thoughts ; that she was a kind, amiable, and 
self-sacriticing as she was impressible. She pos^ 
sessed great self-abnegation ; she thought for others 
— seemed to live for others. She was most devoutly 
attached to all the members of her family, and 
would have hesitated at no personal sacrifice to 
have secured their happiness. They were, to a cer- 
tain extent, aware of this; in fact, it was not 
possible for her to conceal her affections, or for 
them not to reciprocate it, because it came forth on 
such unselfish conditions. 

Her brother, Eyle, was perhaps registered first in 
her heart ; but then she loved Daisy so tenderly, 
and Landon so fondly, that really, it would have 
been hard for her, on examination into the force of 
her feelings in their favor, to have eliminated the 
one that stood pre-eminent in her love. 


126 M7 official BVSBAHi). 

"When Sabino Danato, with a fiendish expression 
of countenance, said with such emphasis in her 
ear, “ I can hate and take a dreadful vengeance — 
not upon the object of my hate by the knife, but on 
those they love by poisonous, subtle processes, which 
Tvould rack, torture, and at least distroy them” — 
she was oppressed with horror, and from that mo- 
ment conceived a terrible dread, that unless she 
conciliated him he would practice his atrocious acts 
of hatred first upon those whom she loved. 

Her active imagination pictured one or the other 
of her brothers or sisters w^asting away, dying 
piecemeal, by the introduction of some subtle poison 
in their veins — they, the victims of a line of conduct 
toward this man, which every instant told her was 
the proper one for her to pursue. 

Out of love for them she shrunk from placing 
them in such a terrible position ; she would endure 
this man’s glances — his snake-like crawl to her side, 
repulsive as it was to her — rather than, by rousing 
his anger, cause their destruction. 

She lacked what her sister Daisy possessed — 
moral courage ; that as Daisy had done, she should 
do, openly resent the insidious approaches of the 
Italian, and so cause him to be expelled from the 
house, with some special mention to the detectives 
of the covert threats he had made. 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBANi). 


w 

Sabino Danato came with scrupulous punctuality 
to give the daily lessons, and he contrived that it 
should in some way touch upon poison, or lead to 
an opportunity for him to dilate upon the art of 
poisoning, as studied and practiced, he averred, in 
various parts of Italy. 

The caution given him by Edesa had not been 
lost upon him, nor was there a chance that it should 
have been. He was told somewhat abruptly by the 
steward, that Miss Daisy for the present declined tak- 
ing her Italian lessons, and when the young lady 
passed him, it was with a look of haughty contempt 
which made him A\Tithe again. He was obliged, not 
only to swallow his ire, but to act more circum- 
spectly toward Clare, for fear she, too, should dis- 
miss him in haughty scorn, and thus ruin the whole 
project which- brought him there. 

Sabino Danat oper formed the task allotted to him 
well. He made no special mention to the deadly 
medicaments, as a matter for conversation with a 
latent object ; but he made the subject one upon 
which to give lessons, asserting that it was neces- 
sary for the purpose of properly understanding the 
extent and compass of the Italian language, that he 
should enter on the regions of science, and not con- 
fine his instructions to the fields of poetry and lit- 
erature. 

Had Clare Hilliard, upon arriving at the convic- 


12S My OFFICIAL BtJSBAND. 

tion of this man’s infernal nature at once removed 
herself from contact with him, had boldly and openly 
made known what he had more than hinted, all 
would have been well. 

She did not do so. 

She gradually became oppressed with a fear that 
this man, if offended by her, would destroy her 
sister, her father, her brothers by a slow and linger- 
ing torture ; that she should have the horror of daily 
seeing them waste away, without the power of sav- 
ing them or being able to prove the cause of their 
ailment ; and therefore it became imperative upon 
her to conciliate him, that no injury might come to 
them. 

While this course of instruction adopted by the 
Italian was in progress, Daisy was going through 
one of a different kind. 

“ Have I not listened attentively. Miss Frost, to all 
you have said to me ? ” 

‘‘ Only with that attention. Miss Daisy, which I 
esteem due to the station in which your honored 
father has placed me, and with that propriety per- 
taining to your own position as a young lady of 
wealth.” 

Daisy looked at the column of starch, with an ex- 
pression that the ancient lady did not like ; hastened 
to check her by exclaiming: Miss Daisy, exhaust 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 1^9 

yourself, by no such performance. I do not wish 
for a reply. I do not expect one. I have given you 
my dictum as the representative of your father, and 
I only desire you to comply with my views, which 
you should feel are dictated only by a most elevated 
sense of decorous propriety, and a full comprehension 
of what is due to your place in society.” 

“I am sorry, Miss Frost, that your expectations 
and your desires do not coincide with my own,” re- 
turned the young lady with firmness. ‘‘ I believe, 
though but young. Miss Frost, that I am still old 
enough to be able to judge for myself in this matter. 
My impressions are convictions, so far as I am con- 
cerned, and I have acted upon them.” 

“ Acted upon them ? I do not understand you.” 

“ I am sorry that the fault is not mine.” 

“ Explain. To what do you allude ? how have you 
acted ? ” 

“ By directing the steward to inform Signor Dan- 
ato that I do not intend taking another lesson, and 
by letting that man see, by my demeanor, my sense 
of his insolent pretensions.” 

Here was rebellion to her ; here was a direct in- 
timation that her power was represented by that 
very expressive figure, 0 ; and she prepared at once 
to work herself up to that state of dignity, firmness, 
and determination, which should prove to Daisy 
that she was not to be held in this light considera- 


130 


MT OFFICIAL msMNL, 


tion— that she had been appointed to a rebponsible 
post, as the head of the household in the absence of 
Mr. Hilliard, and that her word must be obeyed 
without question. 

Daisy saw what was coming ; but, as the pouring 
out of the plagues on Egypt hardened Pharaoh’s 
heart, so did the looming torrent of indignation 
gathering strength in Miss Frost’s bosom, operate 
on the heart of Daisy. She determined once for all, 
to display her independence, and to maintain it. 

‘‘ Are you not quite aware. Miss Daisy,” almost 
thundered Miss Frost, ‘‘if you were bent upon 
discontinuing the services of Signor Danato that 
his dismissal should come through me — that your 
proceeding to him was an indignity to which, upon 
a mere fancy, a ridiculous and erroneous notion — 
for Edesa, here, assures me that such is the case — he 
has no right to have been subjected.” 

Daisy glanced haughtily at Edesa, as Miss Frost 
uttered this observation, and with a curl of her lip 
said, “ 1 am not in the habit. Miss Frost, of submit- 
ting my impressions to the judgment of my maid. 
If that is another of your desires or expectations, I 
must beg of you to excuse my direct refusal to com- 
ply with it.” 

“ Daisy Hilliard ! ” ejaculated Miss Frost in a loud 
voice ; “ you intentionally misconceive me.” 


MY OFFICIAL BUSBAND. 


m 

‘‘I have some reasons for my misconception, if 
such you consider it, and thus I p’ove it. Edesa ! ” 
she exclaimed, addressing the maid, iu almost an 
imperious tone. “ Be good enough to step forward 
here.” 

Edesa obeyed; her brows were slightly con- 
tracted, and her teeth were set. 

“Some misunderstanding between you and my 
late maid, caused her to leave my service without 
an explanation. You informed me that she had 
left me ; but, with a profession of great anxiety to 
spare me, you. took the trouble of obtaining another 
within an hour after she was gone, informing me 
that you had done all this out of your great wish to 
show your love and respect for me, and with, in 
fact, the sanction of Miss Frost.” 

“ Precisely ! Edesa informed me of the quarrel 
between her and your maid ; and that both could 
not remain in the house. Y ou can scarcely desire 
to deprive me of my greatest comfort in this, my 
maid Edesa. I sanctioned the departure of your maid, 
and the appointment of your new one. Eeally, 
Daisy, what there can be objectionable in all this is 
out of my power to conceive.” 

“ This, Miss Frost. I have not been consulted ; 
my tastes, my wants have not been the subject of 
a consideration. 1 have for some years chosen my 


13 ^ 


MY OFFICIAL BFSBAFD, 


own maid ; I am not going to resign that task now. 
Edesa, rang the bell for the new maid ! ” 

Edesa obeyed ; but not with out a sullenness that 
contrasted strongly with her usual manner. 

The bell was answered, aird the girl made her ap- 
pearance. She, too, was sleek in manner, but there 
was an expression in her eyes that was singularly 
antagonistic to marble purity. 

“There is in the housekeeper’s room, a young 
woman, with whom I have already had an inter- 
view,” exclaimed Daisy, “ bring her here ! ” 

The new maid glanced at Edesa and retired. 
Presently she returned bringing with her a young, 
interesting-looking girl, who was plainly but neatly 
dressed. 

Miss Frost had merged into the Hindoo idol 
again. But she was so overwhelmed with astonish- ' 
ment at the'part adopted by Daisy, that her speech — 
almost her breath— was taken from her and she sat 
in a state of silent stupefaction. 

Daisy asked the newcomer, “What is your 
name ? ” 

“ Sarah Hading. I am called Sally for short.” 

“ You can perform all the duties of a maid ? ” 

“Yes, miss.” 

“Mrs. Jones, the housekeeper, gives you a most 
excellent character. Indeed what she has said in 
your favor has confirmed me in the intention I hav« 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


133 


deliberately and with determination formed. Are 
you at liberty to enter now, from this moment, into 
my service ? ” 

“ A — a — Daisy ! ” exclaimed Miss F rost, forcing 
through her throat a passage for her astonishment. 

Daisy quickly repeated her last sentence. 

“ Oh, yes ! ” replied Sally with earnestness' 

“ Then I engage you from this moment to be my 
maid.” Turning to the new maid of Edesa’s selec- 
tion, she said: ‘^You will apply at once to the 
steward, who will pay you your claim, and from 
this moment you are no longer in attendance upon 
me ! ” 

. “ Ha — um — ha, Daisy ! I positively must — a — 
have a voice in this matter,” cried Miss Frost, gasp- 
ing for breath. 

“ To confirm it if you will. Miss Frost,” ex- 
claimed Daisy, with great firmness. “ Hot other- 
wise. You are at liberty to make any representa- 
tion you may think proper to my father ; but in 
this instance, and until he peremptorily commands 
me to the contrary, I will take my own course.” 

Daisy, your sister Clare, your senior by years, 
would not thus improperly set aside my authority,” 
cried Miss Frost, with her eyebrows pressing on the 
confines of her wig. 

“Clare is free to act as she pleases,” retorted 


134 


M7 OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


Paisy: “ She is yielding and easy in her nature, 
and is far from being sufficiently self dependent. 
She may, out of an amiable desire to maintain peace, 
continue to receive instructions from Signor Danato, 
whom she hates as deeply as I do.” 

“Hates? Daisy Hilliard,” cried Miss Frost, 
with an electrified air. “ Hate ! A professor 
of Italian hated by a lady of position! Prepos- 
terous.” 

“ Despises — loathes, whatever you will. Miss 
Frost, to express repugnance or abhorrence,” cried 
Daisy, excitedly. “ It is enough she entertains the' 
same feelings toward him that I do, but, rather 
than make a sensation she continues to suffer 
annoyance herself. It may be well for her maid to 
be discharged, and be supplied with another by 
Edesa — to endure all this, out of the consideration 
for the feelings of persons of no consequence to 
her whatever. I cannot help that ; it does not, will 
not, influence me. And now,” to the girl Edesa 
employed, “leave the room and do what I have 
directed you.” 

“Well, miss, to be discharged at a moment's 
notice ; it is not usual ! ” exclaimed the girl with a 
depreciating air. 

“ Miss Frost, I request you to desire your maid, 
Edesa, to conduct that woman from this apartment,” 
exclaimed Daisy haughtily. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


135 


Edesa did not wait to be told by Miss Frost ; she 
raised her glittering eyes to Daisy and said, ‘‘ It is 
enough for me, Miss Daisy, that you wish it. Allow 
me, dear lady to express my sorrow that my zeal 
should be considered impertinent interference. 
I will not so^ offend again ! ” she quitted the 
room. 

Miss Frost rose up with solemn dignity, and, when 
balanced on her feet, and her head was elevated 
upon her scraggy neck as high as it could be made 
go, she said, ‘‘ I have never, since the departure of 
your august father, been set so decidedly at 
defiance. Miss Daisy, as upon this occasion. 1 must 
communicate with him. Until then, permit me to 
inform you, I cannot receive you, nor meet you 
upon the same relations as heretofore. You will 
take your own way.” 

Turning slowly on her pivot, she filled her stately 
sails, and wended her way to her own apartment, 
to revive herself, after this scene with a little stimu- 
lant, with a different odor to rose-water. 

As soon as she was gone Daisy turned to her new 
maid and said, “ I like your looks very much. And 
I am sure that I can count on your faithful assist- 
ance ? ” 

“ You may, miss,” replied Sally, with energy. 

I am sure of it j are you keen-sighted, quick to 


136 my official IimBAND: 

observe and detect operations not meant for you to 
see ? ” 

“ I believe I am so naturally. I am sure I could 
be if my mind was directed to such a task.” 

“ Then I will get you, with an assumption of an 
open, easy, amiable manner, to observe, with all the 
acuteness you possess, the movements of Miss Frost’s 
maid Edesa, and when you have the chance, of 
Signor Danato, and import what you may notice to 
me. No matter how trivial the circumstance, it 
may prove a link of the chain. You understand 
me? ” 

Oh, quite clearly.” 

“ That will do ; you will now commence your 
duties at once, especially that one of watching Edesa^ 
and Danato.” 

“ I will do my utmost to fulfill your wishes,” said 
Sally, earnestly ; and I feel somewhat, that I shall 
succeed.” 

Daisy had been induced to take this unusual step, 
in one of her age, from a conviction that her sister 
Clare, was under some spell ; for she had observed 
that she was pale and thoughtful, sighed much, and 
often shuddered in her abstracted mood, and that ' 
these fits were all the stronger after Signor Danato 
had departed, on the completion of the Italian 
lesson. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


137 


CHAPTEK XY. 

Kyle Hilliard ^had not forgotten his appoint- 
ment with the woman Leonore. At the hour named 
he entered the cathedral by one of the principal 
doors,' and as he stood listening to the rich swelling 
tones of the organ, a hand was laid upon his shoul- 
der. lie started, and turning, beheld a female, com- 
pletely muffled in a veil. 

She whispered in his ear, “ Take the first street 
that leads to the river Panuco. At the water’s edge 
you will see a boat in waiting. Give three low 
claps with your hand. The boatman will take you 
on board, and will land you upon a spot, near which 
stands a grove of trees. In that grove await further 
instructions.” 

She was about to glide away, but he caught her 
by the wrist. 

‘‘ Stop ! ” he said in a low tone. “ In Hew York, 
such a proposition might easily be entertained ; in 
Mexico the case is different. You must name tome 
some further inducement for complying with your 
directions.” 


138 


MY OFFICIAL UUSBAND. 


The . woman hesitated a moment ; then she whis- 
pered in his ear, Eva Letton ! ” 

She broke from his hold, and was quickly lost to 
view among the crowd assembled for services. 

He paused, and felt in doubt as to the course he 
should pursue, but the name of Eva possessed far too 
great an influence over him, to remain indifferent to 
the adventure. He had no notion that he should see 
her, but there was a possibility that he would learn 
something respecting her ; he resolved to go, come 
what might. 

He quitted the cathedral, and passing into the 
street proceeded in the direction pointed out to him, 
until he reached the banks of the river. 

He discerned a short distance in the stream a 
boat, with a man at the stern keeping it stationary 
with his long paddle and chanting lines from Tasso, 
apparently unconscious of aught but his own exist- 
ence. 

Kyle clapped his hands three times, and the man 
at once displayed the greatest activity of manner. 
The prow of the boat was directed toward the shore, 
and in another minute the boat was alongside. 

“ American ? ’’ ejaculated the boatman. 

Kyle replied in the affirmative, stepped into the 
boat and seated himself. 

Away sped the boat up the river, Kyle endeav- 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


139 


ored to take note of the places he was passing, but 
he went so swiftly, and the darkness, from the 
absence of the moon, was such as to prevent his 
making out any place distinctly ; he resigned him- 
self with patience to remain in a state of mystifi- 
cation, until something happened to give him a 
notion of the subject with which he was desired to 
perform this journey. 

Suddenly he felt the keel of the boat grate on 
the edge of the shore, and he sprung out, leaping 
lightly on to the green grass which extended to the 
edge of the river. 

“ Do you wait for me ? ” he inquired of the boat- 
man. 

“!N’o,” he replied. “I will return for you if 
those who employ me consider it necessary.’’ 

The next moment the boat shot into the center 
of the river, and was urged back to where Ryle had 
embarked in it. 

He watched it receding and, when it was no 
more to be distinguished, he turned to find the grove 
of trees which the woman had mentioned. He dis- 
covered it at a short distance, and he made toward 
it. He perceived that he was on private grounds of 
a handsome villa, which stood not far off, and 
which seemed to be closely shut up, as though it 
either needed a tenant, or that the tenant was in 
some other part of the world. 


140 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


On gaining the grove of trees, he remained there 
for at least half an hour, without hearing aught but 
the rustle of the leaves of the trees. No sign of 
any one in the vicinity could he discover, no sound 
met his ear, to indicate the approach of a living 
thing. His patience began to be exhausted, when 
his quick ear detected the sound of a light foot-fall 
upon the grass ; he sprung behind a tree determined 
to inspect the newcomer before he betrayed his 
presence there, and crouching down, watched with 
anxiety for the person, who, making direct for 
the spot, it was evident, was conscious of his being 
there. 

To his surprise he saw a slender female ; still he 
lay hidden, in order to see what movement she 
would make, and whether she was acquainted with 
his arrival. 

She increased her speed as she drew near, until 
she entered the grove of trees, and then she paused. 
She gazed timidly round, and in a half -frightened 
voice, said: “ Is there any one here' awaiting my 
coming ? ” 

He rose up, and advancing cautiously, said: 
“ I am here. Was it you who desired to see 
me?” 

The lady uttered a cry and placed her hand upon 
his arm. 


MT OFFICIAL husband. 


HI 

“ Merciful goodness,” she exclaimed, ‘‘ It is Eyle 
Hilliard!” 

“ Eva, Eva, my darling Eva ! Can it he possible ? 
Is this a dream ? Do I again see you ? Oh, what 
have I done to receive this gracious favor ? ” 

He folded her passionately to his breast as he 
spoke, nor did she refuse that long and fervent kiss 
which he pressed upon her warm ruby lips. But 
when this ebullition of their fond devotion for 
each other had passed, they each instinctively shrunk 
from the other. 

“ Oh, Eva, do you not hate me ? ” 

“Hate you, Eyle? Oh, no,” she replied with 
earnestness. 

“You forgive me then for my madness ?” 

“ It is not for me to forgive, Eyle. The injury 
was not inflicted upon me, though I have suffered 
by it ; I am not even acquainted with the circum- 
stance connected with it, all that I heard was what 
one of your father’s servants told your father at the 
cottage.”^ 

“ To — to my father ? ” 

“Yes — his object in coming to the cottage I know 
not; he came there soon after your departure. 
What followed I do not remember, nor recollect 
aught subsequently, until I found myself in a hotel 
in Hew York.” 


142 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


“ And this man, who told it to my father — what 
passed at my interview with Jasper — what did he 
say ? ” 

Eva repeated Wolf’s story. Eyle could scarcely 
listen to her, for the violence of his indignation.^ 
He protested against its falsehood, and related to 
her what really did take place. 

“Bad enough, I admit,” he said, “but still in no 
degree capable of such an infamous construction as 
that scoundrel put upon it, and quite devoid of the 
most fearful and murderous portion of the attack 
upon him. Jasper yet lives, and is in this city. I 
will seek him, and he will do me justice, at least, by 
acknowledging that I struck him in a moment of 
passion, heated to such violence by injurious charges, 
which to my face he made ; and that with one word 
ceased further act or word between us.” 

Eva bowed her head down as he said this. 

“ It must ‘be !” she murmured with agony; “it 
must be — done !— and that I feel, great as the pain 
I suffer, without further delay ; for to extend our 
interview can only make greater the anguish of 
parting, and to remain to violate the contract into 
which we both so solemnly entered. Oh, Kyle Hil- 
liard, we must part ! and let us at once understand 
that — forever.” 

“ No, Eva ; rather would I perish here before you. 


Mr OFFICIAL nnSBAMi), 143 

I love you, let the world say what it may. Let my 
father do what he can, I will make you my wife, if 
you will have me ; and though I have consented 
and will submit to the probation upon which we 
agree, without seeking to infringe upon or violate 
its terms — still, at its expiration, I will claim your 
hand as mine — loving you, I am beyond all doubt 
assured you have the same love for me. 

At this moment a woman rose up, as it were, out 
of the ground pA their feet. She turned to Eva. 

“ Go,” she said. ‘‘You will meet Kyle Hilliard 
again.” 

Eva bent her eyes upon Ryle with longing gaze, 
and slowly prepared to retire, but Kyle sprang to 
her side and took her hand. 

“We cannot, must not part thus,” he cried. 

The woman who had so suddenly appeared, how- 
ever, waved her hand to Eva. 

“ Go,” she repeated again. “ I have told you, 
you will meet again ; and I repeat it. Let me give 
you this word of caution, that when you do meet, 
affect surprise if you feel it not. Go, Eva, and 
quickly. I would speak with Kyle.” 

Ryle raised her small, soft, white hand to his lips 
and pressed it there passionately, and said: “We 
shall meet again, Eva.” 

“ If Heaven grant it, Kyle.” 


144 


MY OWiCtAt mSBAMD. 


When her retreating form was lost to sight, 
Leonore Letton turned to Ryle and said : ‘‘You are 
surprised at what I have done, you will be more 
surprised^ when I tell you that not you alone, but 
your whole family are in the greatest danger ; you 
are on the outer edge of a whirlpool, into which, 
unless extricated by the greatest skill, you will be 
drawn, revolving more swiftly to your doom as the 
circles grow smaller, and being ultimately engulfed 
without the possibility of redemption. It shall be 
my task to do all that lies in my power to save you 
from a fate so fearful as that which has been pre- 
determined for you — a fate to which your fair sis- 
ters, equally with yourself, have been destined, and 
from which escape is just next to impossible. But 
there is time to avert it, and I will point out to 
you the way, though not now for you must go. 
But, remember, as you are faithful to Eva, so will I 
be with you.” 

“ Who are you ? — by what right do you assume to 
yourself the power of making a revelation so 
dreadful ? ” 

“ I am Leonore Letton. ” 

“Leonore Letton! the wife of Letton? Eva’s 
mother ? ” 

“ The same. I fear the approach of the boat you 
must depart this instant, in case your presence 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 145 

should become known to those from whom it is im- 
perative to keep it hidden. Can you make a friend 
of him with whom I saw you conversing, when I 
addressed you in the church ? ” 

“ Ay — a true and sincere friend. ” 

“ Secure him at once. You will need him, on a 
service of the greatest trust. Further, have you 
seen San Juan Alzemora ? ” 

“ I have. ” 

“ Beware of him ! He is the most plausible, 
friendly seeming man living ; but the most 
treacherous, designing, remorseless wretch this fair 
earth was ever cursed with. He is closely allied 
with Madam Vistula, who is your most implacable 
foe. ’’ 

“ Mine ? ” 

“Yours ! Hever for an instant lose sight of that ; 
or let her perceive by gesture, or glance, that you 
dream of it ; but beware of her, of all, who would 
compass your destruction. Now go! the boat 
awaits you. ” ^ 


146 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


CHAPTEK XYL 

On the following day of the events of the last 
chapter, Leonore and Eva were seated in the 
sumptuous drawing-room of Madam Vistula’s house ; 
the madam being confined to her room by a slight 
indisposition, but had sent word to Eva that she 
would appear at the opera that night. 

Leonore perceiving a carriage drawn up before the 
entrance, detected the person of the coming 
guest. 

“ Quick, my child ! ” she cried, “ hasten to your 
room ! And do not leave it on any consideration, 
until I come to bring you from it.” 

San Juan Alzemora was met at the door by 
Leonore Letton. Kespectful in her manner, she 
seemed but taciturn and brief in her replies to the 
questions put to her by him ; and as he detected, 
possessing some feeling beneath that impassable 
face of hers, which, be it what it might, was not 
favorable to him. He had often seen Leonore 
before, but it had been in years back, and the 
impression she then made upon him, or the estimate 
he had formed of her character, and the part she 


Mr OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


had filled in the drama of the madam’s life, was 
gone from his memory, after he had been ushered 
into the room, and heard that the madam had been 
very suddenly taken ill. And Leonore expressed her 
belief, with no unnecessary amplification, that she 
was not yet strong enough to render an interview 
with any one advisable. 

“ You will at least convey my message ! ” 
exclaimed San Juan Alzemora, pertinaciously. 

Leonore obeyed ; on entering the madam’s room 
she found the lady still in bed. She no sooner 
learned that Alzemora was in the drawing-room 
])eneath than she insisted upon being robed in a 
gorgeous morning attire, and then gave orders for 
his admission to her boudoir adjoining. It, like all 
the other apartments, was furnished with every- 
thing taste could devise, ingenuity exercise, and art 
accomplish. 

When San Juan Alzemora entered the room, the 
madam rose up to receive him, but he hurried for- 
ward to prevent her, and having reseated her 
expressed his regret at her sudden illness, adding 
complimentary remarks"" upon her personal 
appearance, assuring her that her good looks were 
evidence of the near approach of restoration to 
health. Then suddenly he asked permission to 
speak with her alone as he had something very 


148 oPfigial husband. 

impol'tant, which concerned his happiness to impart 
to her. 

The madani sending Leonore from the room, asked 
Alzemora what she could do for him or his happiness. 

“ Madam Vistula, pardon me, but I love your 
Miss Letton.” 

The madam was electrified at the words. He — 
the cold, deliberate, systematic man of the world — 
who had won heatrs and broken them with a sneer, 
was himself now entangled. 

“Yes madam, you have introduced me to this 
young lady. Ever since I beheld her fair lovely 
face, it has haunted me as the Madonna’s did 
Eaphael. Can you, will you not intercede for 
me ?” 

“ Never, San Juan Alzemora, as your wife, will I 
do aught to assist you ; you may consider this inter- 
view at an end. I will be at the opera to-night. 
Bring Kyle Hilliard with you, and meet Eva and I 
there. I will arrange to meet you once more, 
before my first reception. You will please now 
leave me.” 

“ Madam, your wit is superior to my cunning ! 
Farewell ! ” he slowly descended the stairs. He had 
forgotten Leonore, not she him. Not a single 
word that passed at that -interview between him 
and the madam had escaped her watchful ear. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


149 


CHAPTEK XYII. 

“ Well my good fellows,” said Eocco, “to busi- 
ness, for time presses with me. This, you say, is 
Jerry Menton ? ” 

“Yes atr,” said one of the party of three men, 
“ that is he.” v 

He was a tall, well-made man, erect, and with a 
certain respectability of manner in his movements, 
which the style of his dress could not altogether 
conceal. 

Eocco regarded him attentively from head to 
foot, and a curl turned his upper lip. While ho 
muttered to himself ; “ there must be great altera- 
tion here to effect any good.” 

“ You say you name is Menton? ” 

“ I am not quite sure as to that,” replied the indi- 
vidual addressed with a cunning leer ; “ it may come 
to be proved to be Hilliard.” 

Eocco started, and looked into the wild, grimy 
face and bright eyes, almost glaring upon him with a 
fresh interest. “ True,” he said, “but you have passed 
for years under the name of Jerry Menton.” 

“ Well,” replied he, “ it was the name under which 


150 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


I was introduced to the government, and under 
which I served the term of an appointment under 
the present administration. 

“ Exactly, up at Sing-Sing ! And you are the fos- 
ter brother of Mr. Kandle Hilliard ? ” 

“Under any circumstances, I am that — that is, to 
him who at present holds that title.’’ 

“ Good ! ” cried Grasp with glee, rubbing the 
palms of his hands upon his knees. “ You will save 
us a world of trouble, and we -will be able to do 
well for you.” 

“ If you would desire to carry out my idea’s you 
must not drink any more liquor. Your part will be 
an important one : it will require ingenuity and skill 
of no common order ; for we shall not only have to 
prove, by documents and the testimony of witnesses, 
that you are the legitimate son of Kandle Hilliard’s 
father ; that you show by your bearing, your 
manner and your appearance, that you have the 
true Hilliard blood in your veins.” 

“ And so I ha — ” Jerry Menton checked himself 
as he uttered these words, and a burning flush 
spread itself over his features, hardened as he was in 
crime ; for, had he uttered the whole of his intended 
assertion, he would have openly acknowledged his 
mother’s shame, and his own disgrace. The mind 
must indeed be callous to every feeling of pride, or 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


151 


to the promptings of personal honor, that would 
make such an avowal unblushingly. 

“ I think,” said Jerry Menton, correcting himself, 
“ that you will not have any occasion to be uneasy 
about that. With a complete change of dress, you 
will find an entire change in my appearance. With 
money in my pocket, a manner as unlike that I now 
adopt, as may be conceived ; with something ap- 
proaching the resources of a gentleman, I can act 
the part, I think, pretty well.” 

“ You shall have them, and we will prove this,” 
said Eocco. “ How long is it since you were down 
in the neighborhood of Hilliard Hall ? ” 

“ Many — many years,” he returned. 

“ You have not, then, seen your mother for a long 
time ? ” 

Jerry Menton looked at his finger nails, and 
moved his thumb uneasily over them. 

“No I have not seen her for a number of years,” 
he said in a low tone. 

“ I am glad of that,” said Eocco. “ So much the 
better. It will prevent her being too positive. Time 
may confuse her memory, and she may be able in 
her doubts and distraction, to materially aid us.” 

Jerry shook his head doubtfully, and said with a 
smile : 

“ That looks more probable than it will prove. 


152 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND, 


She is singularly clear-headed ; and in her memory, 
most retentive. We will have to adopt another 
method with her, to win her to our side. I think I 
know the way, but at present I shall reserve that 
point.” 

“Yery well,” returned Kocco. “You remember 
the incidents of your early life ? ” 

“ With a memory only too distinct.” 

It was arranged that Wolf should act as Jerry 
Menton’s body servant, and after the two men had 
been transformed into respectable-looking individ- 
uals, and fully equipped with instructions, they, set 
out for the neighboring village near Hilliard Hall, 
arriving there at night, they put up at. the only 
hotel the village boasted of. That night, after 
Jerry Menton had dined, he quitted the hotel, for, 
as he said, a stroll in the village. 

The night was dark ; but he could find his path 
well, and passed down the straggling street — if such 
it could be called — looking at the houses as he went 
by them. 

At length he stopped before one, and went up to 
the door and opened it. He. entered, and saw an 
old woman, seated by a fire^ with her hands crossed 
upon her knees, gazing into the red glare of the wood 
embers blazing on the hearth. 

She was deep in thought, and did not hear the 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


153 


opening of the door. Jerry cleared his voice, and 
then said, in a low voice: “ Mrs. Menton ! ’’ 

The old woman started, rose up, stood erect, and 
advanced toward him. 

‘‘ I am she ! ” she exclaimed, in a clear voice. 


154 - 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


CHAPTEE XYIIL 

A CARRIAGE drew up to the residence of the Honor- 
able Judge Montemorris. Mr. Temple, followed by 
San Juan Alzemora got out of the vehicle. Mr. 
Temple desired an introduction to the newly 
arrived judge. Alzemora delivered himself of some 
polite hints to Mr. Temple, which were intended to 
convey to him an intimation that his company could 
be spared without a sigh. Mr. Temple appeared to 
be strangely dull in their reception. 

After the first greetings had passed, and the first 
glass of wine discussed, criticised, and warmly 
praised, Mr. Temple said, with apparent careless- 
ness, “ I am fearful, Alzemora, that my English ob- 
tuseness stands somewhat in the way of my polite- 
ness. I believe, now, that I remember you to have 
said you wished to see the judge on some particular 
matter this evening. Let me ask pardon if my in- 
trusion — 

“Ho intrusion, but an honor,” interrupted the 
judge. 

Mr. Temple smiled as if with a gratified air, 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


155 


“As you please, judge. A thousand thanks, 
nevertheless, for the compliment. I will, however, 
change the word, and say, ‘ visit.’ Let me hope my 
visit will not interfere with your purpose. The 
judge will not, I trust, consider me in the matter, 
but grant you half and hour or so while I, over a 
glass of wine, inquire of Mr. Yan Scott some par- 
ticulars of friends in ISTew York, with whom I 
passed many pleasant hours in the earlier part of 
my career, but whom I have not seen nor cor- 
responded with for some years.” 

San J uan Alzemora for a moment was discon- 
certed — looked — yet the betrayal of his real feelings 
was but momentary, and vdth an easy, pleasing 
smile over his handsome features, the result of long 
study before a polished mirror of very truthful charac- 
ter — he said : “ I must be candid with the judge. I 
did desire to see him to night ; I had a matter on 
which I purposed speaking to him ; but upon con- 
sideration, I will defer it till a more favorable 
opportunity: ” 

The judge rose and said, as he offered to lead the 
Tvay to a private room: “1 am willing, San Juan, to 
listen to all you have to say, or to serve you should 
you wish me to-do so.” 

San Juan considered for a moment, and then re- 
plied: “JSTo, judge— I am equally favored ; but not 


156 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


now. I will reserve my object for the present; 
it will be better — by the way, have you met young 
Kyle Hilliard?” 

‘‘Young Ryle Hilliard,” echoed the judge, 
raising his eyebrows; Hilliard; it is an English 
- name ! ” 

“Originally such, I have no doubt,” said Mr. 
Temple; “but it is borne now by an American 
family of very high position and vast wealth.” 

"Walter Yan Scott twirled a piece of paper in 
his fingers, and appeared in no way interested in 
the turn the conversation was taking. 

“Ah,” exclaimed the ju^ge, “some of these 
American families are fabulously wealthy with a 
free hand. In reply to your question, San Juan, 
I have not met the young gentleman. Is he here 
in Mexico ? ” 

“He is. He is staying at the Yucatan House.” 

“ I should like to have the pleasure of an intro- 
duction to him. I am rather partial to the society 
of men of his age and class. You can effect an in- 
troduction between us, San Juan, I know ; and so 
put me under an obligation to you.” 

“ Rather confer on' me a pleasure, judge. It was 
my intention to have done so to-night : but in fact, 
my visit to you this evening was in a measure con- 
nected with an object I have in view with regard 


MT OFFICIAL BUS^AlfD, 15*? 

to him, which can for the presennt, rest in 
silence/’ 

“ At any time you may appoint for an intro- 
duction or to communicate your wishes, I am at 
your command, San Juan,” returned the judge with 
perfect ease. 

“ It must be soon, for he announces his intention 
of leaving Mexico shortly.” 

“ To-morrow, if you will,” said the judge. 

“ To-morrow be it,” responded San Juan. 

“ By the by, San Juan, when I first took up your 
card, which you so greatly honored me by leavingi 
on my arrival, it struck me that the name was 
familiar to my eyes or my ears. I have thought of 
this several times since I received it, but without 
forming any notion as to where I had seen or heard 
it till this moment. 

“ Indeed ! ” San Juan, looking at him with sur- 
prise ; and then adding hastily, “ I ought not to 
receive such communications with 'surprise. My 
name, I believe, is known in connection with some 
of the best families.” 

“ Undoubtedly,” returned the judge with the same 
easy manner ; “ but I am not now alluding to what 
I have heard. No ; I heard your name in connec- 
tion with an individual whom, some years since, I 
was able to be of service to. He was a Spaniard.” 


168 


MY omiCIAL htJSBAND. 


“ A Spaniard ? ” repeated San J nan, unable to dis- 
guise the interest he felt in the subject which was 
about to be brought on the tajpis and which he had 
a misgiving was not of a nature to add to his credit 
or his honor. 

“ Don Carlos,” continued the judge, do you 
remember the name ? ” 

Alzemora was seized with a tremendous agita- 
tion. Thick drops of perspiration stood upon his 
forehead, and his teeth clinched as he sank back in 
his chair. 


MT OFFICIAL UUSBAMI), 


159 


CHAPTEE XIX. 

The evening on which Mr. Hilliard visited the 
opera, and saw Eva Letton seated by the side of 
the madam, and heard the remark of San Juan 
Alzemora, he at once experienced the full force of 
that ordeal for w^hich he had prepared himself, and 
felt that the emotion which he was almost con- 
vulsed with was likely to betray him. Before he 
could reply to San Juan, his attention was suddenly 
called to the judge, who had slipped from his chair 
andfellen upon the floor in a fit. 

His own emotions and agitation at once found 
a scapegoat in this occurrence, and he instantly sum- 
moned assistance. San Juan rendering, by means 
of his servants who were at hand, such aid as was 
necessary, the judge was placed in his carriage ; and 
accompanied by Walter Yan Scott was borne back 
to his rooms, when the attention of a medical man 
restored him to consciousness ; but he at once de- 
termined on retiring to his private room, and left 
his pseudo secretary to wander and speculate as to 
what could have occasioned this sudden attack. 


160 


MY OFFICIAL BFSBAm. 


Kyle Hilliard, too, had intended, at the invitation 
of Bob Brent, to be present on this evening, found 
himself too weak in body and mind to bear the 
fatigue ; he therefore remained away — a resolution 
to which Bob Brent also came when he learned his 
friend had decided on not going, and he preferred 
to stop at the hotel — sit with his friend, and while 
the evening away in chatting over the old scenes 
they had shared in. together. 

Thus whatever object San Juan and the madam 
might have had in bringing Eva and Ryle together 
— in introducing to her Honorable Judge Monte- 
morris and Bob Brent — it was frustrated. The 
madam was greatly disappointed and vexed at the 
nonappearance of Honorable Judge Montemorris. 
His absence was accounted for, although it was the 
subject of considerable annoyance to her. On the 
morning following the madam’s disappointments, at 
the opera, she received a communication by a 
special messenger; and within a week from that 
time her house was thrown open for her grand re- 
ception. 

The rooms were decorated with all the skill 
which the high decorative ability of Italian artists 
and unlimited resources could achieve. The gardens 
and the walks were laid out in a style which re- 
minded all who entered them of those eastern 


MY OFFICIAL IIUJSBAJSTD. 


161 


Wonders read of in tales of enchantment, but 
scarcely ever realized by human eye. 

At the appointed hour, the house was thronged 
with the beauty and fashion of Mexico. When 
Eva appeared with the madam among the numerous 
guests — the ladies especially who exhibited beauty 
of a very striking kind — it was acknowledged that 
she bore the palm. 

The Honorable Judge Montemorris and Mr. Yan 
Scott were there among the early arrivals; the 
very earliest of which had been San Juan Alzemora 
and his special servant. This man would be useful 
to him in many respects on this occasion, he calcu- 
lated ; and ordered him to attend him to the recep- 
tion. Hot that such an arrangement was unusual, 
for Durango was more frequently with him than 
not ; and would have been, this night, had it been 
an ordinary event, but he had a special purpose for 
his presence on this occasion. 

He had been instructed by San Juan that the 
Honorable Judge Montemorris, would be at the 
reception ; and with him his secretary. “ You will 
accompany me in a similar capacity. Attire your- 
self accordingly. I will introduce you, as such to 
Mr. Yan Scott, and see that you keep him ; converse 
with him ; watch him closely ; make out all you can 
of him.; and obtain from him as mucli as possible of 


162 


MY OFFICIAL HtlSBAN!). 


the private history of the judge ; that, at least, I 
am specially desirous to obtain. I am also desirous 
of detaching him, as much as possible, from the 
judge to-night ; as I imagine, though he does not 
permit it to appear, that he has a strong influence 
over the judge, and that I do not desire to see used, 
this evening at least. ” 

Durango promised attention to his commands; 
and accordingly prepared himself for the part he 
had to play, on the arrival of the judge and his 
secretary, Mr. Yan Scott. 

San Juan, after the judge and his secretary had 
been received by the madam and Eva, greeted 
them. He took the opportunity of presenting 
Durango, his secretary and confidant, to Mr. Yan 
Scott, and expressed his hope that they would 
make a pleasant acquaintance; drew the arm 
of the judge through his own and walked away in- 
stantly, leaving, in quite an unceremonious manner, 
Mr. Yan Scott and Durango to make that intimacy 
of which he spoke. 

A thought struck Mr. Yan Scott. What might 
he not be able to obtain from this man in respect to 
designs schemed for his injury? Although he 
could scarcely expect to obtain possession of the 
actual plans, he might be able to obtain such a clue 
as would enable him to divert and frustrate them. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 16 ,^ 

He seized the arm of Alzemora’s instrument of 
villainy and moved with him toward a room, less 
thronged than the ball-room. 

Ryle and Bob Brent arrived together, the madam 
received them, Eva standing by her side. They 
came late, and the madam — her principal guests be- 
ing present — was able to mix among those who had 
already arrived. Her eyes glittered with unnatural 
brightness as she saw Ryle offer his arm to Eva, 
and watched them proceed to one of the conserva- 
tories. 

“ Oh, Eva ! ” he said when they had reached a 
spot out of hearing distance, “ I am in all things in 
which you are identified, most painfully selfish. I 
so love you, it makes me unjust even to you.” 

“ What do you mean, Ryle ? ” 

‘‘ That I wish you were not here in this place 
and with that woman. Madam Vistula. You can- 
not think how it pains me.” 

“It is not my wish — with my will, Ryle, that I 
am here, it is more painful to me than it can be 
even to you. But what am I to do ? how emanci- 
pate myself from the position in which I am placed ? 
I came not here by choice — I cannot leave without 
knowing one place in this wide, wide world to re- 
ceive me. And, Ryle, I will not return to the ball-- 
room if you do not wish it. On the plea of illness, 


164 


MY OFFICIAL EtfSBAND. 


I will retire to my room and no power shall force 
me to rejoin it.” 

“ Eva ! I cannot ask you to do so. Oh, when 
shall I have that right to protect you forever ? ” 
Never, murderer ! ” exclaimed a harsh voice. 

A shadow fell upon them. 

It was Jasper Letton. 

Kyle staggered back astounded. Jasper glared 
upon him and said through his teeth : 

“You have fastened upon me an injury I will 
never forgive. You felled me to the earth by a 
vile blow. Rather than my child should be your 
wife, I will see her dead first. Go ! you will see 
her no more ! ” He hurried Eva away, while Kyle, 
electrified, stood transfixed to the spot. 


MF OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


165 


CHAPTER XX. 

The madam, leaning upon the arm of Bob Brent, 
and closely attended by the Honorable Judge Monte- 
morris, who appeared to be greatly fascinated and 
attracted, not only by her charms but by the graces 
of her manner. 

Having completed a promenade to the extent of 
the rooms, they retraced their steps. As they did 
so, the judge observed, “ I had anticipated the 
pleasure of having some conversation with Mr. 
Ryle Hilliard. I do not see him.” 

“ Gone for a quiet chat, in one of the conserva- 
tories,” remarked Bob, “ with the prettiest girl in 
Mexico ! ” 

“ The daughters of Mexico, in my humble person, 
return you thanks, for the gallantry of your 
remark,” exclaimed the madam, with a polite 
sneer. 

“ Permit me to correct my observation, madam,” 
returned Bob, “ by saying the prettiest Hew York 
girl in Mexico.” 

‘‘ I subscribe to your opinion, sir,”* she said, “ and 


166 my official husband. 

in return will say that I think Eva Letton has the 
sweetest face I ever saw.” 

“Come from some proud family, I presume?” 
said the judge, looking steadfastly at the madam, 
who replied ; 

“No, but she is descended from an old and 
'wealthy family residing somewhere in Nev^ York.” 

“ Oh ! near the Hilliard estate I am sure,” cried 
Bob. 

“ The Hilliards are of an old family,” remarked 
the judge. 

“ Yes, they can date back to generations of 
wealthy and proud ancestors.” 

“ Madam, have you ever seen Mr. Handle Hilliard, 
Kyle’s father ? ” asked Bob. 

“ I — no — that is — yes, in years past,” she returned, 
with some slight embarrassment. 

“ Ah ! ” returned Bob ; “ very proud, haughty 
gentleman, and supports his order with most patri- 
cian bearing.” 

Kyle Hilliard had not recovered himself from the 
astonishment in which the sudden, unexpected pres- 
ence of Letton, during his interview with Eva had 
plunged him, when a hand was laid upon his shoul- 
der. 

He turned and saw Leonore Letton. 

“ Kyle,” she said, “ you seem converted into a 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


ier 

statue ! but take my advice, do not return to the 
ball-room, but hasten to your hotel ; avoid as much 
as possible being abroad until you hear from or see 
me. Farewell ! ’’ 

“ Farewell ! ” he responded. “ I will follow your 
counsel.” 

I 

She disappeared as she spoke, and he followed the 
advice he had received, returned to his hotel, leav- 
ing Bob to think what he might at his sudden disap- 
pearance. 

Leonore had folloAved Eva to her room, where lier 
father had commanded her to go, after he had 
given her instructions to be ready in a few days to 
return to New York with him. 

“ Oh mother, mother ! ’’ exclaimed Eva as Leonore 
entered, “ when will this strange, this unreal life 
that we are living end ? why are you and my father 
enemies to each other ? and why cannot we leave 
Mexico and return to our cottage, where I was so 
happy ? Do, oh do let us go away from here,” 
pleaded Eva. 

“ All in good time my child, we will return to 
New York, and some day I will tell you all you 
want to know, but, not now; the time has not come 
yet for you to know many secrets which are best 
for you not to know just at present.” It was with 
a Tveary sigh that Eva closed her eyes in sleep that 
night. 


168 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND, 


CHAPTEK XXI. 

Jekey Menton regarded with emotion the tall, 
erect, pale-faced, but bright-eyed woman, who stood 
before him when he called her up from her place by 
the fire. 

It seemed to him that not much change had passed 
over her features since he had parted with her, in 
grief and shame, many long years past. 

He had the impulse to rush into her arms, but 
her cold manner repelled him, and he remained 
silent, permitting her clear, bright eyes to peruse his 
features. 

“ Do you know me ? ” at length he said. 

“ It is seldom, Jerry Menton, the mother forgets 
her offspring ! ” she said in cold tones. 

‘‘ Yet, you welcome me not.” 

“ Welcome you Jerry ! ” she returned with bitter- 
ness. Welcome you ! for what should I welcome 
you here again ? ” 

‘‘ Am I not your son ? ” 

Indeed you ure to my misery,’^ 


M7 OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


169 


“ Mother ! ” 

“ Is that fact new to you, Jerry Menton ? ” 

He dropped his head and clinched his hand. 

“ You were 'ever doing or contriving wrong,’’ 
continued the woman. “ Every step in age became 
an onward movement to crime, until at last you paid 
the penalty awarded by the law. I have borne,” she 
said, “ the shame for your misdeeds upon me.” 
“Well, you need not bear the shame any longer.” 
“ How can you release me from it ? ” 

“ As easy as that I shall relieve myself of that 
name which is not mine, and by assuming that 
which is rightfully mine.” 

“Yours?” 

“ Yes, that of Hilliard — I am the rightful heir, 
and a Hilliard.” 

“ How can you prove it ? ” 

“ That you are not my mother T 
Mrs. Menton recoiled a step or two, and gasped 
for breath. Then recovering herself she said, “ I 
do not understand you.” 

“ Do you want me to tell you ? ” 

“ Proceed; I listen.” 

“ The one who claims to be the rightful heir, and 
myself are about the same age, you nursed both in 
our infancy ? ” 

‘‘I did,’' 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


m 

“ You frequently observed the extraordinary re- 
semblance we bore to each other ? ” 

“ True.’’ 

“ Either might easily be mistaken for the other.” 

“ Not by the keen eyes of a mother.” 

“ Yes, they could, and for the interest of your 
own child you changed the babies, the present Mr. 
Hilliard is your son — I am not ! I disclaim you — I 
deny you — I renounce the affinity, and shall at once 
proceed to lay claim to what is mine ! ” 

Are you mad, Jerry ? ” 

“ Not mad, but just recovering to a proper sense 
of my true position. I ought to have seen that you 
were not my mother.” 

“ You know yourself to be what you are — and 
have been ! Some one has moved you to take this 
step for some particular purpose — the gratification 
of some vile malice. It is a vain attempt.” 

“ Indeed ! You are likely to find yourself to be 
mistaken.” 

“ It shall not succeed 1 ” 

« Shall not?” 

“No.” 

“Who can or will — save Handle HiUiard — at- 
tempt to prevent it ? ” 

“ I will — for I can prove Handle Hilliard to be 
the rightful heir, and not you, for you are m.y son, 
to my deep sorrow.” 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


171 


“ Will your word be taken, think you? ” 

“ It does not rest upon my word.” 

“ISTo?” 

“ I have a proof which places Kandle Hilliard’s 
right beyond a doubt.” 

“ Does he know it ? ” 

“ No.” 

“ Who does ? ” 

“ I have told you — I have.” 

“ You have the power of producing that proof at 
any time.” 

“ I have.” 

“ And would do so to support his possessions ? ” 
“ Against any who would try to take away from 
him what rightfully belonged to him.” 

“ And I your son ? ” 

“ I have said it, even against you.” 


172 


M7 OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


' CHAPTER XXIL 

It WOULD have been considered an extremely sus- 
picious proof of sound sleep, had any one seen 
Clare Hilliard’s maid start up from her easy chair, 
on seeing her young lady sink to the floor, in a 
fainting lit, after her perusal of a note written by 
Signor Danato. She saw that Clare was quite 
senseless ; and then, having secured hastily the note 
which had created such an effect upon her young 
lady, she hurried to the housekeeper’s room, and re- 
quested her attendance and assistance, that her 
young lady was ill. 

Clare, like her brother Ryle, sank beneath this 
mental strain, and delirium followed the cessation 
of her fainting fits. She raved incoherently of her 
sister and her brothers — her father — of Danato — 
and of poison. A violent fever accompanied the 
delirium ; and it was some weeks before she was 
pronounced out of danger. 

Daisy took the earliest opportunity of summoning 
the steward, and on his presenting himself, she said, 
“ I direct you to discharge absolutely and unequiv^ 


MY OFFTGIAL HUSBAND. 


173 


ocally Signor Sabina Danato. You will pay the 
man his demand, and not 'acquaint him by whose 
direction you: discharge him. You will be decided 
and prompt in the transaction, and not permit it to 
occupy more than two or three minutes.” 

The steward promised obedience, and she retired 
to write a letter to Eyle, urging him to return, giv- 
ing him a long account of what had taken place — the 
strange mystery which was hanging over them — 
the absence of their father — the painful illness of 
Clare, and ending again by an earnest appeal to him 
to come home. 

On the following morning the sudden illness of 
Clare, Signor Danato presented himself at the man- 
sion, to give the usual lesson, the footman admitted 
him, and he was about to ascend the stairs with his 
usual gliding step, when his progress was stopped. 

“ Come with me,” said the footman, leading the 
way to-the steward’s room, “you are wanted by the 
steward.” 

Signor Danato grew a paler yellow than usual ; 
cold drops of perspiration trickled down his back, 
and the scoundrel slunk after the footman, uncertain 
whether he should on his return be flung into the 
street. 

“ I am instructed,” said the steward, when Danato 
stood before him, “ by Miss Daisy Hilliard, to tell 


Mr OFFICIAL MUSLAMD. 


174 

you that your visits, professionally and otherwise, 
cease from to-day. I will pay you to this day 
inclusive, and you are not expected to call here on 
any pretense, until you are sent for. You will 
please remember that.” 

“ Sir ! I am engaged to attend professionally 
Miss Clare Hilliard by Miss Frost ! ” remonstrated 
Danato. “ I should receive my dismissal from 
her.” 

The steward now recollected Miss Daisy’s instruc- 
tions to him, to be speedy in his interview with 
Danato, and he said hastily, “ "Well, sir, it is im- 
possible for you, under any circumstances to see 
Miss Clare. She was taken suddenly ill last night, 
on retiring to her room.” 

“ 111 ? but you said it was Miss Daisy’s orders that 
I am thus abruptly dismissed, was it not?” 

“ By what* right,' sir, do you ask any such imperti- 
nent question?” inquired the steward acting now 
upon his instructions. 

“ You said ” 

“ I said nothing, sir, but that your services W'ere 
no longer required here ! ” 

“ Permit me ” 

“ To ask nothing ! I never submit, Mr. 
Italian Professor, to be questioned. You have your 
money. Go ! good morning ! ” 


MT OPFIGIAL IIXiSBAiSflJ. 


1 % 

“ But I distinctly ” _ 

“Will you go, sir?’’ roared the steward. He 
jumped up, and seized Danato by the arm, hurried 
him along the passage, and then cried loudly to the 
footman, “ The door ! ” , 

Danato darted through the doorway, almost blind 
with passion at the indignity he had been made -to 
suffer. 

He made his way, yet trembling with fury, to the 
dwelling of Eocco, where he was admitted to an 
interview. 

“ I am discharged from my professional labors at 
Hilliard mansion, and Miss Clare is dangerously 
ill.” 

There was a knock at the room door, and Eocco, 
raising his finger to Danato, said, in a low tone: 

“ Come in ! ” 

“Only me,” responded an equally bland voice; 
and Lawyer Grasp glided into the room. 

At a sign from Eocco, Danato retired, from the 
room and house, and made his way to another part 
of the city. 

Cunning as he was, he was quite unconcious that 
his visits to Hilliard mansion had been carefully 
noted down in a small pocket memorandum book, 
by a quiet, and bright-eyed man ; that he had been 
followed to Eocco’s and thence to the house where 


MY OPPICIAL HITSBAND. 


1 % 

he now was, and where every action would be 
known to this man who carefully made memoran- 
dums of anything at all worthy of note in that 
queer-looking note-book of his. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 




CHAPTEE XXIIL 

Eyle could not fail to be interested in the account 
Bob Brent gave him of what transpired at the ball, 
the night previous; Bob called at an early hour 
that morning to see what had taken Eyle away 
from the scene of gayety so unceremoniously. 
Ej’le could not reveal all that had happened; he 
only said that Eva was taken ill and had retired to 
her room, and he had no desire for dancing so made 
his way to his hotel. 

The letters arrived just then; Eyle recognized the 
writing on one as that of his sister Daisy’s. He 
tore it open and read it attentively to the last. 
The letter wound up by her signing herself his un- 
happy sister Daisy ; and concluded with the words, 
“Dear, dear brother, come home in haste for we 
are in great distress.” He was astounded. “ What 
can it all mean ? ” he ejaculated. He was aroused 
from his emotions of wonder by exclamations from 
his friend Bob, who cried : 

“My vacation is up! Here’s a letter from my 
father whose commands I must obey, I must 


178 


MY OPFiCIAL BU8BAMD, 


therefore pack up my traps, and away to New York 
to-morrow.” 

Eyle considered whether he should not do the 
same, too. He was about to suggest^ such a deter- 
mination when the Honorable Judge Montemorris 
was announced. 

After a few words, which Bob had shaped into a 
leave-taking, the judge said, “One word, and no 
reply. Eva Letton is now on her way to New 
York,' in charge of her so-called mother, I have 
insisted upon her leaving Mexico. Keep this to 
yourself. Act as you please, but be faithful to me, 
and do not reveal from whom you obtained the in- 
formation.” 

He pressed Kyle’s hand and, hurried away. The 
following morning Kyle Hilliard and Bob Brent 
were on their way to New York. 

The first intimation received by Daisy that her 
letter to her brother addressed to Mexico, had safely " 
reached its destination, was given in a breathless 
announcement made to her by Sally, that Mr. Kyle 
had not only come back to New York, but was 
at that moment entering the mansion with a friend. 

Daisy uttered a scream of delight which was 
echoed by Kyle who rushed into the room. Daisy 
welcomed her brother warmly to his home ; she 
touched lightly upon all that had transpired, because 


Mr OFttCTAL HUSBaMD. 


1?9 


she feared to excite her brother’s anger, so that, 
impetuous as he was by nature, he might not hastily 
commit himself. 

Mr. Randle Hilliard soon followed upon the heels 
of Ryle to New York. And it appeared to be 
understood between the father and the son, that no 
reference should be made to the past. Neither 
alluded to it ; and their intercourse seemed to be 
upon a more frank and friendly term. Each knew 
the other had been in Mexico ; but while the father 
was pretty well acquainted with his son’s move- 
ments, Ryle had not the slightest idea that he had 
seen his father performing the part of Mr. Yan 
Scott. 

Mr. Randle Hilliard was well aware that the 
madam, aided by San Juan Alzemora would not 
give up her designs upon his happiness, and he lost 
no opportunity in preparing himself for the encoun- 
ter which he knew he ^hould face ; and thus he was 
almost constantly occupied in fortifying himself 
against an attack, certain to be made, but of the 
shape it would assume he was entirely ignorant. 

The steward one morning entered Mr. Hilliard’s 
library, with the greatest possible astonishment 
printed upon his face. 

“What is the matter, Martin?” inquired Mr. 
Hilliard, instantly seeing that something had 
occurred. 


IgO ^5^ OFFICIAL HtlSBAllD. 

“The most extraordinary thing in the world, 
sir,” replied the steward. “ John Alberts, one of 
your tenants, at Hilliard estate, has just come from 
there, and he has handed me the most remarkable 
paper.” 

“What is its purport?” asked Mr. Hilliard 
calmly. 

“ Nothing more nor less than a notice from a 
lawyer to him, not in the future to pay to you the 
rent for the cottage and the land he occupies,” re- 
sponded Martin. 

“ Upon what grounds ? ” 

“ That there is a person — an individual who has 
come forward to claim your estates on the plea that 
he is the true heir, and that you usurp the title and 
the property, having no legal claim to it.” 

Mr. Hilliard upon hearing this strange statement 
rose up and clinched his hands. By an effort he 
remained calm, and reseated himself. 

“ Have you the document, Martin ? ” he in- 
quired. 

“I have sir; but in my hurry to acquaint you 
Avith this most ridiculous affair I have left it in my 
room.” 

“ Martin, it is by no means a ridiculous affair,” ex- 
claimed Mr. Hilliard gravely. Should this man be 
supported by money, I may find it a difiicult matter 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


181 


— such is the anomalous state of our laws — to prove 
that l am really myself, the lawful son of my father, 
and true heir of that which, by every law of right 
and fact, is incontestably mine. Bring me that 
document.” 

As soon as Martin had gone, Mr. Hilhard leaped 
to his feet, and paced the room. 

“ So,” he soliloquized ; “ the new attack is to take 
this shape, is it ? it is cunningly designed. I was 
not prepared for this. I must summon Gaston to 
my assistance. I must meet art' with art, cunning 
with cunning ! Who can be the person they will 
set up as claimant ? Some low wretch, doubtless, 
in order to more deeply ^ wound me. If they do, 
they will in that defeat themselves ; for low persons 
always have antecedents not of a very favorable 
character, and their origin can generally be t^*aced 
and fixed. But I must not underrate the ability 
with which they will not only plan but execute their 
purpose. What is done, will be most craftily done ; 
and, really, will be only likely to be overthrown by 
equal or superior craft. I am at least, thankful 
that the machinations of this most malevolent 
fiend in human shape has taken, at length, a dis- 
tinctive form.” 

The footsteps of the steward approaching, induced 
him to resume his seat ; and he anxiously stretched 


182 


MY OFFICIAL nUSBAND. 


out his hand for the paper Martin held. He took 
it and read it hastily down. 

“ This, indeed, is serious ; my foster-brother is un- 
earthed, and he is to be the implement used to de- 
stroy me ! ” 

The document he held in his hand was a legal 
notice, properly drawn up, calling upon John 
Alberts, as tenant of the cottage and grounds, to no 
longer pay his rent to Handle Hilliard, of Hilliard 
Hall, but to retain the same in his hands until the 
law has decided between a claimant to the estate 
and the one now in possession which is the right- 
ful heir to the vast property. It was signed Kalph 
Grasp, counselor to the heir-at-law. 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


183 


CHAPTER XXIY. 

When once the game — Jerry Menton’s claim to 
the Hilliard estates — fairly started, -there was no 
pause in the proceedings. The mode adopted under 
the inspiration of that exceedingly acute and honest 
lawyer, Grasp, may be better understood by the 
observation of Mr. Hilliard’s lawyer, a gentleman 
of high position in his profession, and a man of 
elevated principles, great legal acquirements, and a 
highly cultivated intellect; quite equal to any 
generous or noble action — immeasurably remo\»ed 
above anything contemptible or mean. 

‘‘This fellow, ” said Lawyer Lange to Mr. 
Hilliard upon a recent interview, “is determined to 
proceed by the most annoying course he can adopt. 
It. is usual to select a portion of the estate, and com- 
mence an action for its recovery. The verdict given 
in that governs all the rest; but here we have 
several notices of action — some on quite different 
issue— and the ejectments are flying about right 
^nd left. I have just been informed that money is 


184 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND, 


being liberally dispensed among some of the worst of 
the inhabitants around Hilliard Hall, in order to get 
up a demonstration against you. Already have some 
of your best and most devoted tenants had their 
hay ricks fired. It is only this morning that a letter 
has. reached me from a person whom I have placed 
down there to keep me acquainted with what is 
going on, and yesterday evening some three or four 
corn ricks belonging to John Alberts were de^royed 
by incendiaries. ’’ 

I am hardly surprised to hear this, ” replied Mr. 
Hilliard. “ It is all a portion of one plan to destroy 
me. I know the source, and I do not fear but that 
I shall be ultimately able to crush the directing 
hand in these infamous movements against me. 
The legal part of this unhappy affair I must leave 
to you, Mr. Lange. Spare no cost ; lavish outlay 
must be met by a corresponding expenditure. ” 
“Fear not,” replied Lawyer Lange. “Every- 
thing shall be done that the case demands. 
It is well that I am aware of the character of the 
person, Grasp, who is conducting the case for the 
plaintiff. He is one of the ferrets of the law — a law 
trickster who has made it his study to master every 
legal quibble and every low, dirty, contemptible 
advantage which the indefinable character of many 
of our statutes gives to men of his stamp. But 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


185 


forewarned of the man’s chicanery, I have arranged 
the case in such a manner, and placed the conduct 
of its various stages in such hands, that not a move 
can he contemplate but one shall be prepared for 
and anticipated.” 

After this interview, Mr. Hilliard, returned to his 
library and found upon the table, cards of invitation 
for himself, Kyle, Clare and Daisy, for a princely 
entertainment to be given by the Whitneys at their 
mansion in Washington. 

Ryle at this time, returned from a most indefati- 
gable search after Eva. He resolved to prosecute his 
inquiry quietly but diligently, and had sanguine 
hopes that he should prove successful. He quite 
saw the necessity of not appearing to be engaged in 
the prosecution of such an inquiry, and readily 
accepted the invitation to join his sisters and 
father. 

On the night of the entertainment, the magnifi- 
cent mansion of the Whitneys was brilliantly 
lighted up, and the drawing-rooms were filled with 
some of the most distinguished visitors in the land, 
as well as several foreign diplomatists. 

Soon after they had arrived at the mansion. Bob 
Brent made his way to Clare and Daisy. With him 
was a most elegantly attired foreigner ; after Bob 
had greeted the young ladies, he said ; 


186 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


Permit me, Miss Clare and Miss Daisy Hilliard, 
the honor of introducing to you Mr. San Juan Alze- 
mora, who has just arrived in Washington from 
Mexico."’ 

After the ceremony of introduction was gone 
through, Daisy said mentally : “ I don’t like him.” 

Juan Alzemora appeared much struck with the 
beauty of the young ladies, but especially Daisy ; 
he started when he gazed at her face. “ The living 
image of her mother ! ” he murmured ; “ even as 
though she had been lifted out of the past and 
placed before me.” 

When Eyle came up, his surprise at seeing Alze- 
mora was plainly apparent. 

Alzemora would have addressed him familiarly ; 
but Eyle received his attentions coldly, replied to 
his remarks, with a hauteur chilling, and eventually 
requested his sisters to accompany him in a prom- 
enade. 

As they walked on, attended by Bob Brent, who 
was not to be shaken from Daisy, and followed by 
the eyes of Alzemora, they encountered their father, 
and stood to speak with him. 

They were joined by Mr. Whitney, who, in com- 
ing up said : 

“ Mr. Hilliard, will you permit me to introduce 
you to one of the finest ladies in the room. I am not 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


187 


sure you have not met before, but I am convinced 
you will at least meet now.” 

Mr. Hilliard, with a bow, assented, and Mr. 
Whitney seized his arm, and bore him off to another 
part of the immense room, working his way through 
the throng until he had reached a corner, sur- 
rounded by a blaze of wealth and fashion. A lady 
was seated there, the observed of all observers, 
addressed by the most brilliant' and distinguished 
men there. An opening Avas made for Mr. Whit- 
ney, who, leading up Mr. Hilliard said : 

‘‘Allow me to have the happiness to introduce 
Mr. Hilliard to Madam Vistula — Madam Vistula, 
Mr. Hilliard.” 

The madam rose ; her face became as white as 
marble ; but she bowed to his salutation with the 
most studied and elegant politeness. 

San Juan Alzemora stood at the madam’s side. 

They were face to face now in their own proper 
characters. 


188 


M7 OFFICIAL HU8BAND, 


CHAPTEE XXY. 

Much as Jerry Menton desired another interview 
with his mother, it was with something like pleasure 
he learned she had quitted the neighborhood of Hil- 
liard Hall. For the successful prosecution of his 
design upon the estates of Handle Hilliard, it was 
needful that he should either have so important an 
authority as his mother, the nurse of his foster- 
brother, or that she should be kept out of the way. 

Wolf could not manage to keep sober himself. 
Drink he would, and when in his cups would quar- 
rel with the man to whom he had sworn eternal 
friendship. Eventually he got a tremendous maul- 
ing from a burly fellow, and Jerry sent him to Hew 
York. Jerry then went to see Mrs. Alberts, and 
from her ascertained that her husband had seen 
Leonore Letton in Hew York, and discovered where 
she resided. He immediately proceeded to Hew 
York in search of her. 


It is night ! 

Darkj somber night ! — night in Hew York — night 


Mt OFt'IGtAL HXiaBAm. 


189 


in one of its shabbiest, dirtiest streets — that is, of 
those who aspire to any pretense of gentility ! — 
night in an east-side street, and it was dark and 
silent ! 

Possessing such advantages for secrecy , it Avould 
scarcely seem surprising that Leonore Letton should 
have selected it as the residence for herself and Eva, 
until she could have some clear notion of the direc- 
tion events were likely to take ; but, so far as she 
was concerned, it was not a matter of selection. 

On arriving in New York, Leonore hired a cab, 
which she directed first to convey her and Eva to 
the Hilliard mansion on Fifth avenue, and on reach- 
ing there, when the cab stopped, they got out and 
discharged it. 

Leonore pointed out to Eva the mansion, and told 
her to whom it belonged — reminded her that he who 
had avowed for her the most devout love, was next 
heir to that and all other property pertaining to the 
Hilliard estates, and that if he kept his word and 
married her, she would dwell in as proud a home as 
that. 

* A carriage dashe’d up to the door, and a hand- 
some young lady, very proud and haughty, alighted, 
and passed into the house. 

It was Daisy Hilliard. The door closed, and the 
carriage swept by. 


190 Mf OFMGIAL StI8MNt>. 

It is easy to see that that young lady is one of 
Kyle Hilliard’s sisters,” exclaimed Leonore. 

“ I knew her again,” murmured Eva. “ I have 
seen her with her sister in Hilliard Park. 

“ A loving and tender sister she is likely to make 
you, Eva,” observed Leonore with bitterness. 

Eva shrunk back with a shudder. 

Leonore cast her eyes to the right and left ; “J[ 
will know the house again,” she said, and drew Eva 
away. 

A cab drew up to the sidewalk and Leonore asked 
the man on the seat if he could tell her of a quiet 
street and retired neighborhood where she and her 
daughter could live peaceably. The man replied 
instantly in the affirmative, and at once drove them 
to his sister’s house in the shabby, dirty- street on 
the east side of the city. 

Here they resided for some time, having, as it 
seemed, completely and effectually destroyed all 
clue to their place of abode. Leonore, at times, paid 
a visit to the neighborhood of Hilliard mansion, to 
ascertain, as near as possible, what was passing, and 
shaped her plans accordingly. 

She had succeeded in learning of the return of Kyle 
Hilliard and his father to Hew York, information 
she did not at present think it advisable to bestow 
on Eva, who was dull, without being yet further 


Mr OFFICIAL EtrsMMjb. 


191 


unsettled by such news. It was during the return 
of one of these visits that the man Alberts, had seen 
her and recognized her, but she, as he said, had not 
seen him to remember him ; and it was very shortly 
after this unfortunate encounter, that she was one 
evening seated with Eva, who was very sad, when 
the door suddenly opened, and a gentleman of some- 
what commanding exterior entered. 

Leonore rose to her feet and without waiting to be 
addressed said: 

“You have mistaken this room, sir!” 

“ ITo, ” said the stranger in a low deep voice, as 
he concealed nearly the whole of his face with his 
handkerchief. 

He closed the door behind him, and Leonore at 
once advanced to meet him. 

“ I tell you, sir, ” she cried in an authoritative tone, 
“ that you have mistaken the place or persons you 
desire to visit. ” 

“Ho,” said the man,“ for you are Leonore Letton 
and there sits Eva Letton. ” 

Leonore was astonished. She did not recognize 
the stranger, “Who, may I ask, does us the honor 
of so abruptly breaking in upon our privacy ? ” 
demanded she. 

“ I am Jerry Hilliard, formerly known as Jerry 
Menton, rightful heir to Hilliard Hall and estates. 


192 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBANn. 


All, you know me now, Leonore Letton ; it is not a 
very easy task to forget one who grew up from 
"childhood under the same roof. You can be of 
great service to me in helping me to claim my 
rights. ” 

“ What madness is this, Jerry Menton ? for indeed 
I do know you now. ” 

“Yes, who should know the truth — the truth, so 
well as you Leonore Letton? Do you know who 
was my father ? did you never have a suspicion that 
a Hilliard paid for my education. ” 

Leonore sprang to her feet. He caught her by the 
arm. 

“ Listen ! ” he cried. “ The late Mr. Hilliard was 
the father of myself, and he who now holds posses 
sion of the Hilliard estates. He was the son of 
Leonore Menton, she changed the children in our 
infancy. I can prove it by the voice of one who 
alone has the power of doing it ; and I must win, 
and become, that to which I am truly entitled ! The 
wandering outcast shall become the proud man of 
wealth ! Will you now help me to obtain what you 
can prove belongs to me ?.” 

Leonore was bewildered. She remembered all 
the events, and rapidly reviewed them. 

Certainly, they seemed to tell in favor of Jerry’s 
claim. Leonore Menton, Leonore Letton’s adopted 


MT OFFICIAL U USB AND 


193 


mother’s conduct to Jerry, if he were her son, was 
unnatural, and all the probabilities were in favor of 
his being the rightful heir. 

* Jerry waited for her answer, but Leonore’s sur- 
prise had been too great ; she must think, and she 
could only prevail upon Jerry leaving her with the 
promise that she would in a few days see him again 
and give him an answer. 

When Jerry Menton parted from her she sat 
alone in the room, Eva having withdrawn on the 
entrance of Jerry. The past was now before 
Leonore, with almost terrible freshness; this sudden, 
unexpected, and extraordinary incident, though it 
had placed her whole being in a tumult, had not 
deadened her faculties to what might happen. 

First there was Eva. She clasped her hands to- 
gether and sighed deeply ; and as she traced out 
once more the past and forehadowed the future, 
tears— burning, painful tears — again filled her eyes, 
and she sobbed bitterly. And while she wept, she 
became conscious that an arm gently stole about 
her neck, and a low sweet voice whispered in her 
ear, “ Mother ! why do you weep ? Did that 
stranger bring to you sad news ? ” 

Leonore threw her arms about Eva’s neck and 
kissed her with great tenderness ; then she put her 
from her and motioned her to a seat. Eva looked 


194 OFFICIAL UtJS^ANl). 

with surprise and interest upon the flushed and ex- 
cited features of her who generally bore an aspect 
so cold and still. 

Making an effort to speak clearly and to control 
her emotions, Leonore said abruptly : 

“ Eva, I am not your mother.” 

There was a pause, and Leonore went on : ‘‘I see 
you are not surprised to hear this, and I have seen 
from the first that you doubted the relationship.” 

Eva gazed upon her with eager eyes, but did not 
by either word or motion seek to offer contradic- 
tion to what she stated. 

‘‘ Yes,” said Leonore thoughtfully. “ I alone can 
prove that fact, and the day may come soon when 
it will be necessary to do so.” 

“ And your husband — whom I so long was told 
to believe was my father ? ” 

“ Is not your father,” returned Leonore. 

Thank heaven ! ” exclaimed Eva. 

“Yet he was always kind to you, Eva; why 
should you be thankful that he is not ? ” 

“Not because of any conduct he has evinced to 
me, not that I would hope to find a parent in one 
of a higher station, or of a nature more affection- 
ate; but because — because — it is a relief to know 
that the one 1 loved raised his hand in anger not 
against my father.” 


Mr OFFICIAL ntISLANJb. 


195 


“ Letton never for an instant credited that you 
were his child ; but it is needless to enter into this 
part of my history or yours.” 

“But Avho were my parents 
“It will avail you little now to know. Both 
your parents died while 3 ^ou were a little more than 
an infant; they were humble, but honest and 
worthy. I married Letton at the wish, and by the 
counsel of the man I loved. I committed the error 
under the influence of an impression, that he whom 
1 loved, was desirous of releasing his mother, Leo* 
nbre Menton, from the burden of partly keeping 
me, and that he was so selfish as to have no desire 
to lend any assistance, in fact, wished to get rid of 
me. I knew, when too late, that this was an error 
on my part, and I have been punished for it. I 
married Letton and — and — I become a mother.” 

She burst into a paroxysm of tears. 

“ After the birth of tlxe child — a girl — I became 
so unhappy and ill. My doctor advised me to go 
to a small village up the Hudson, for change of air, 
and to find some one to take charge of my child 
which I was too weak to nourish. I found a place 
to stop at ; it was with your father and mother, who 
were young and had been married scarcely a year. 
You were their only child and the same age as 
mine. After staying with them some time, I re- 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


106 

turned to Letton, leaving my child under the 
charge of your mother — for it was sickly and re- 
quired careful nursing to bring it around. Three 
years passed on, and I occasionally went to see my 
child. On my return home from one of these 
visits, I found Madam Vistula and San Juan Alze- 
mora in close conversation with Letton. Madam 
Vistula offered Letton a big reward to acquaint 
her, from time to time, with what transpired at 
Hilliard Hall. 

“ I learned then^ the cause of the madam’s bitter 
hatred toward Handle Hilliard. It was when 
Handle Hilliard, in his youth met the madam, that 
she fell desperately in love with him ; so sure was 
the madam that the love she bore him was recipro- 
cated, that when Clare Day stood the proud bride 
of Handle Hilliard at the alfar, she vowed she 
would make it her life’s work to bring Handle 
Hilliard, and all belonging to him, as low down as 
the dirt under her feet. So far she has accomplished 
part of her vow, she has through her infamous 
plotting separated his wife from him, and she has 
now got agents employed to ruin his daughters and 
to sweep his estates and wealth from him. 

“From what I learned in Mexico, the madam did 
not use her whole name ; she should be known as 
Madam Vistula Morelia ; she married a man by the 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


197 


name of Urias Morelia for his great wealth. His 
body was found in the waters of the Panuco. 

“ But I have wandered from what most interests 
you. I went to make another visit to your mother, I 
found that your father had just died of a low fever ; 
that my child was just sinking under it, and that 
your mother was already seized with it. Two days 
sufficed to close the eyes of my unhappy offspring 
and of your mother. I followed them to the grave, 
and you were left alone in the wide, wide world. 
Grief, trial, affliction had not subdued a vengeful 
spirit within me. I hated Letton with an intensity 
no words can describe, for he gave me no peace. He 
never had even a word commonly civil to address 
me with — an epithet too harsh, too degrading, or 
too brutal to apply to me. I knew he would hail 
with malignant satisfaction and joy the death of my 
child, but I determined that he should not have 
that satisfaction. I dressed you in the clothes of 
my dead child, and brought you to Letton cottage. 
He yelled, swore at you — I think would have killed 
you but that I stood between him and his deadly 
wrath ; arid when that fearful hurricane of passion 
was gone, he came to look upon you as a creature 
whose presence beneath his roof was inevitable, and I 
believe he learned to love you, for I left him then 
and entered the services of Madam Vistula, and also 


1P8 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


while in Mexico I learned that Eyle’s mother wears 
the habit of the Sisters of Charity, living a holy 
life, by doing acts of charity. 

“ The letter I received yesterday was from her, say- 
ing she stood by Letton until he breathed his last. 
He died from a fever, forgiving all his enemies.” 

Eva twined her arms around Leonore’s neck and * 
said. “ How can I thank 3 ^ou sufficiently for this 
revelation ? How can I be grateful enough to you 
for having proved the friend which in the hour of 

death and desolation ” 

By never speaking to me of it,” returned 
Leonore, tears rolling down her cheeks, “ by not 
thinking me deserving of the esteem of innocence, 
by yet believing that I love y^ou, and Avill never fail 
to prove your friend, so long as the power to be so 
is permitted to me.” 

“ And shall we, dear, dear Leonore, be able to save 
Eyle from the wicked hatred of Madam Vistula , 
Morelia ? ” 

“We can try, Eva. Oh! Eva, Eva, would that 
you were my child ! Oh ! inflexible heaven, this is 
my punishment of my sin.” 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


199 


CHAPTER XXYI. 

Convent of the S. H. > 

Mr. Ryle Hilliard. — Hear Sir : — singularly 
embarrassing and yet agreeable circumstance has 
occurred, in av I nch it is imperative you should pay 
a visit to the convent. It relates to one whom you 
have long looked upon as dead. Bring your sisters 
• Clare and Daisy with you, for they are as deeply 
interested in this event as yourself. Fail not 
to come immediately on receipt of this. 

Yours obediently, 

Mother M . 

Twice over did Ryle read this with the greatest 
emotion. A mother they had long since mourned 
as dead. Could it be her ? His heart beat almost 
to suffocation. He hastened to his sisters and 
showed them the letter. With the greatest possible 
avidity the girls perused its contents, and then burst- 
ing into tears, they exclaimed : 

“ Oh, Ryle, it is our mother; I have long believed 
there has been something respecting her more than 
we have been permitted to know,” said Daisy. 

“ Though dead to us she has been yet living in this 
world. Hurry, girls, and let us go to her.” 

Clare and Daisy were not long preparing themselves 


200 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


for the street. And as they hurried along they were 
but a short time in reaching the convent. They were 
shown into one of the reception rooms ; they had 
not long to wait, and kept in subjection the great 
excitement they were all laboring under. 

Eyle was speaking to his sisters when he heard a 
sweet low voice exclaim in a tone which admits of 
no description : 

“ Eyle, my son ! ” 

He turned quickly, and before him stood the 
Sister of Charity whom he had met in the church in 
Mexico. 

Eyle for a moment stood motionless. He recog- 
nized the pale, ascetic, ^and still lovely features of 
Sister Madeline. 

The Sister of Charity stood silently, with flushed 
cheeks, awaiting the movements their impulses 
would suggest; in breathless expectancy, hoping 
nature would quicken their instincts, and leaving 
her nothing to say, compel her children to pro- 
nounce that name, dearer to her than any title 
wealth or ancestry could bestow. Hot alone was she 
anxious to learn whether they would recognize her 
in her maternal relation to them, but she was 
deeply concerned to ascertain if, having faith in 
the integrity of her esoteric principles, they would 
acknowledge her as alone she desired they should ; 


MT OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


201 


as one from whom they had, by untoward circum- 
stances been parted for years, but who, after de- 
parture, during her absence and on her return, was 
pure and stainless, worthy to be caught to their 
hearts, without a suggestion rising up to mantle 
their cheeks with a blush. 

Kyle turned his gaze mechanically upon his sis- 
ters. He saw the intense expression ; their clasped 
hands and motionless figures. What did all this 
combination of human emotion, though locked in 
such marble stillness convey, if it meant not what 
the voice of nature shouted in their ears ? 

“ Oh, my mother — my dear, dear mother ! ” ex- 
claimed Kyle, falling upon his knees before her. 

“ My boy — my daughters ! Oh, my children, 
that I should ever have fled from you ! ” sobbed 
Mrs. Hilliard, for it was she who stood before het 
children as the Sister of Charity. 

Kyle caught her in his arms — he pressed her to 
his heart — and rose up to place her gently in a 
chair, for he knew she had fainted. 

The sisters with tears in their eyes hurried to her 
aid, and applying restoratives, restored her to the 
happiness of seeing herself surrounded by those 
whom she most dearly loved on earth. The girls 
kneeling at her side ; her son with his cheek to hers 
bending fondly over her, and whispering to her 
words of joy, of hopefulness. 


202 


MY OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


It was at this moment^ Handle Hilliard, who had 
witnessed his children at a distance hurrying to the 
convent, had followed them, entered the apart- 
ment. 

The sight which presented itself was one for 
which he was wholly unprepared ; he staggered 
hack as if paralyzed. He saw at a glance, in the 
features of the Sister of Charity, those of his wife ; 
of that proud beautiful Clare Hay, whom he had so 
fondly, passionately adored with all the fervor of 
first love. Beautiful indeed, the features still there, 
but pride had given place to a heavenly placiditj^ ; a 
sweet and gentle meekness which bore no vestige of 
that taint, which, if it had done aught, had detracted 
from, rather heightened her acknowledged loveli- 
.ness. 

Had he been alone he would have fled from her 
as though she had been a spirit of evil ; but she was 
not alone, she was literally in the arms of his — and 
hers — for that fact was one which it was not in his 
power to ignore ; and it was necessary that he should 
take cognizance of it, as a prelude to those steps 
which should once more effect a reconciliation never 
more to be thus broken in upon. 

Before he had time to recover from the shock of 
the sudden meeting, his native pride came to his 
assistance, and forbade his making a scene ; his 


Mr OFFICIAL HUSBAND. 


308 


innate principles of justice and of honor made him 
remember that his worse charge against his wife 
was simply a suspicion, which might be unworthy of 
him ; his quick glance at her garb suggested to him 
that during her self-imposed absence she had not 
wronged his honor nor brought shame to their chil- 
dren, for it was plain that she had lived a secluded 
life, save where the duties of her order, whose habit 
she wore, took her among the poor, sick and help- 
less. 

He approached the silent yet deeply excited 
group, and said, “ I recognize you ; it is for you to 
say in what terms, and under what circumstances I 
am to address you ? ” 

Mrs. Hilliard pressed her hands together, and 
with a burst of intense emotion she said : 

“ Handle, I have been true to you in every 
womanly relation ! I most solemnly vow this, or if 
’twas not so, I should fall dead at the feet of my 
children.” 

They closed around her, and Kyle said with 
emphasis, as though. the words sprung from the 
depths of his heart : 

Mother, I do believe you ! ” 

‘‘ Clare, I do believe in your truth — I have foully 
wronged you. Can you, will you pardon and for- 
give me ? ” 


204 


M7 OFFICIAL HVSBAND. 


She was the next moment locked in his strong 
embrace. 

The coldness of years, the anguish of the terrible 
past, all seemed banished in that one action. 

On both sides there was much to relate. He said 
pointing to his wife’s attire : 

‘‘ This habit you wear, Clare ? Are my newly 
awakened hopes of future happiness to be crushed, 
by the information that you have taken the vows of 
the order in which you are habited ? ” 

‘‘ Ho ! Randle, I did not take any vows, but at the 
advice of the Mother Superior, I wore this habit as 
a protection while a boarder at the convent.” 

Randle Hilliard was well satisfied with the 
answer. And nothing remained for Mrs. Hilliard 
to do, but to return to the position she had volun- 
tarily quitted ; but it was arranged that no public 
acknowledgment of her restoration to her friends 
should be made until they knew that they were free 
from the plottings of Madam Vistula. 

The return to the Hilliard mansion was in many 
respects a happy one, and in about a week they all 
went down to Hilliard Hall, to live in retirement 
for awhile and wait further developments of the 
madam’s plottings. 


Leonoroy desirous of avoiding Jerry Menton, gave 


3/r OFFTCIAL IlUSBANFf. 205 

up her apartment on the east side of the city, and 
taking Eva with her, started one night for Letton 
cottage. Leanore thought she would at least for 
awhile be safe from all plotters and plottings. 

Eyle had given up all hopes of finding Eva. 
The Hilliard family had been at the hall a 
few days when one morning the temptation 
overcame Eyle to visit once more the Let- 
ton cottage, where he had spent so many 
happy hours. As he neared the cottage he was sur- 
prised to see signs of life ; it was his first impulse to 
turn off down one of the side paths, when his atten- 
tion was attracted by the vision of a young girl 
bending over a rose-bush. lie hesitated but a 
moment, and with a rapid step he approached the 
rose garden ; could his senses have taken flight ? 
Or had the past few months b(ien a horrible dream ? 

Eva, who had turned at his approach, looked more 
beautiful, as she stood there in her utter amazement, 
with her glorious eyes fixed upon him, than he had 
ever seen her. Eobed in a snowy white dress and 
her hand filled with roses, what a sight for a man 
who had just passed through the trials that Eyle 
had. 

Eva ! are you a vision or are you really flesh 
and blood ? ” said Eyle advancing a few steps. 

‘‘Eyle!” cried Eva extending her hand. 


Mt OFMCIAl BTJBBANI). 


206 

Another moment Kyle had her clasped in his 
arms. 

“ Eva ! at last, at last, never shall we be sepa- 
ted by land or w^ater again.” 

But your people, Kyle ” ' 

“ Will receive my beautiful bride just as soon as 
my darling will consent, and they will be proud of 
Kyle’s lovely wife ” 

“ Perhaps,” said a voice at their side. “ Let your 
people receive her first as Eva Letton, and then you 
may talk of receiving her as your wife ” 

“ And they will, Leonore Letton,” for it was she 
who spoke. “ My dear mother and sisters will call 
upon her, and be proud to do so,” answered Kyle. 

On the morning following the meeting of Eva 
and Kyle, the occupants of the hall and the cottage 
were thrown into great surprise ; the morning 
papers had brought the news of the arrest by 
Inspector Byrnes, of a notorious gang of murderers 
and theives. Two men, one Jerry Menton, and the 
other Wolf Scrubb would both be tried for double 
murder, and the others for offenses which would 
imprison them for life. 

There were two, however, who had escaped by 
taking their own lives. So the paper stated. What 
a thrill w^ent tingling through Kandle Hilliard’s 
veins as he* read. San Juan Alzemora, a Spaniard 


MT OFFIGTAL BTISBAJ^I). ^07 

and Madam Vistula Morelia, rather than be taken 
by the officers terminated their own miserable lives 
by taking a powder wffiich operated with such 
rapidity that they were dead in a few minutes. It 
was the wonderful disclosures and clues that a man 
by the name of Ureas Morelia gave to the inspector 
which terminated in such a wholesale capture. 
The paper gave all the particulars regarding the 
vile plotting of the madam, and the names of all 
those who were her assistants, but withheld the 
names of those who were her victims. 

Once more the Hilliards were free. Kandle 
Hilliard came out of the crucible a changed man. 
Eyle felt now was his opportunity to teU his father, 
mother, and sisters of his meeting Eva at the cot- 
tage, and his great desire of their visiting Eva, to 
assure her that they would be most pleased to wel- 
come her as their daughter and sister. 

‘‘Eyle, my son,” said his father, “you have my 
blessing, it shall be as you wish.” 

“ And my blessing also,” cried his mother. 

While his sisters gave exclamations of joy. 

Happy was Eyle. 

Eva had scarcely recovered from the excitement 
of what she had read that morning in the papers, 
when the Hilliard carriage drove up to the cottage. 


^08 ' my official busband, 

and she saw the whole family alight. She fled to 
her own room to calm herself for the meeting with 
Kyle’s friends. 

In a few moments she entered the parlor, and 
received her guests with such sweet queenly grace 
that all were struck at her beauty. Mrs. Hilliard ' 
could not help exclaiming, “ Where have I seen that 
face before ? ” 

‘‘ I will tell you, madam; you have seen the same 
features in Kemington Temple; you know his father 
disinherited him because he married a farmer’s 
daughter. But Eva is now the possessor of her 
grandfather’s immense wealth as he has just died. 

Eva could now enter the proud hall of the Hil- 
liards as an equal as to birth and wealth. 

How proud Ryle was of his Eva now. The day 
was set for the wedding. Landon returned to joift 
in the grand wedding festivities. 

Leonore was provided with a handsome sum for 
hfe. 

Clare and Daisy soon married two estimable 
young men. 

And now if you go to Hilliard Hall you will see 
Kyle’s and Eva’s children gamboling over the hills 
and dales there where their father and mother first 
learned to love each other. 


THE END. 



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